انتقام رمانتیک و سه گانه تاریک: مدل اجبار و مهار

Based on I3 theory, the present study investigated a model in which the Dark Triad of personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) influence the rated likelihood of engaging in revenge against a romantic partner. We presented participants with a hypothetical act of infidelity, hypothesizing that the Dark Triad would relate positively to factors that could impel revenge (perceptions of revenge effectiveness and endorsement of goals related to power and justice) and negatively to factors that could inhibit revenge (perceptions of revenge costliness and endorsement of goals related to relationship maintenance). Although the Dark Triad bore substantial indirect relationships to the rated likelihood of taking revenge through our postulated impelling factors, our hypothesized inhibiting factors did not substantially inhibit revenge. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Individuals in romantic relationships have the capacity to inflict interpersonal harm on their partners (Metts & Cupach, 2007) and those partners have the capacity to respond by inflicting harm in return (Boon, Alibhai, & Deveau, 2011). Although not always destructive, such vengeful behavior has the potential to harm individuals, relationships, and property (Fitness, 2001). Recent research has examined the connection between broad personality traits and attitudes toward romantic revenge (Sheppard & Boon, 2011). The present study extends this research by examining the Dark Triad of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism, which has emerged as an important set of traits for predicting destructive and anti-social behaviors including revenge (Nathanson, 2008). Although these traits appear to work together to encourage bad behavior, the specific processes through which they influence revenge, and romantic revenge in particular, remain unexplored.