Date of Graduation

Fall 2024

Degree

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Amber Abernathy

Abstract

Three dark personality traits have been identified and grouped together to form what is known as the Dark Triad of personality. Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy are all connected by a lack of emotional empathy, and the presence of interpersonal hostility. When presented with negative stimuli, it is far from surprising to see an adverse reaction appear in participants scoring high in these traits. Little research has been conducted regarding the relationship between physiological response and dark triad personality traits. Even fewer so in the case of responses to criticism. This study aimed to examine the relationship between these dark personality traits and criticism response via physiological sampling. Participants were recruited from a midwestern university and were rewarded with class credit for participation in the study. It was found through linear regression analysis that all three parts of the dark triad did not see a significant change in cortisol concentration following negative criticism. This could be explained by the study design, as the criticisms were not tailored to the participant’s demographic responses but were instead read from a pre-scripted set of criticisms. Additionally, these individuals often demonstrate a blunted response in the face of criticism and are likely used to being criticized.

Keywords

narcissism, machiavellianism, psychopathy, cortisol, criticism

Subject Categories

Experimental Analysis of Behavior | Other Physiology | Social Psychology

Copyright

© Carson Montgomery Hewitt

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Open Access

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