Is an Individual with a High Level of Dark Triad Traits Capable of Forming Secure Relationships? A Study on Young Adults

This study reports the predicting role of the dark triad personality traits (Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy) on the attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant) of young adults. A total of 202 individuals (99 females and 103 males) between the ages of 18 and 24 (Mean age=21 years; SD=2.00) completed the Dirty Dozen scale (Jonason & Webster, 2010) and the Revised Adult Attachment Scale – Close Relationships Version (Collins, 1996). Results revealed that narcissism, more than machiavellianism and psychopathy, determined higher scores on the close subscale, which doesn’t necessarily conclude that narcissism predicts a secure attachment. Machiavellianism was not significantly correlated to attachment, whereas psychopathy greatly predicted an avoidant attachment style, as consistent with previous studies. The findings have implications in developing intervention strategies.