Dark Triad and Mate Poaching: Is the Relationship Moderated by Self Perceived Mate Value and Sociosexuality?

Abstract

An emerging literature indicates a relationship between the Dark Triad traits—Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy—and experiences of mate poaching, yet the underlying mechanisms behind this relationship remain unclear. Therefore, the current study investigates the relationship
between Dark Triad (DT) and mate poaching within the context of short-term relationships. It further examines whether self-perceived mate value and sociosexuality or short-term or long-term mating orientation moderates this association and explores sex differences across the variables. Utilizing a sample of 77 predominantly young, educated individuals, the study revealed that psychopathy significantly correlates with and predicts mate poaching attempts, aligning with previous research that underscores the role of psychopathy in mating strategies prioritizing mating over parenting efforts. While narcissism significantly predicted being the target of mate poaching, no such effect was observed for the Dark triad traits (composite) and being successfully poached.
Sociosexuality moderated the relationship between psychopathy and poaching attempts, suggesting that high psychopathy is associated with increased poaching attempts when coupled with a short term mating orientation. Significant sex differences were observed with males scoring higher on sociosexuality and mate poaching attempts, consistent with evolutionary theories on male mating strategies. The findings highlight the complexity of mating behaviors influenced by personality traits and call for further research that considers sociocultural factors and expands demographic representation.