Analysis of the association between the dark triad and retention strategies in romantic relationships

Abstract

The present study assessed the fit of an explanatory model of partner retention strategies used by men and women in each of the profiles that make up the dark triad of personality in their long-term romantic relationships. Participants were 324 men and 370 women of Chilean nationality. All of them were in a stable relationship. Through an explanatory design with observable variables, we could demonstrate that narcissism would tend to the use of retention tactics that benefit the partner, while Machiavellianism would use a combination of beneficial and costly tactics. Psychopathy would be the most aggressive profile of the triad, using tactics that entail costs for the partner, even going as far as exercising sexual coercion. These results are similar in men and women. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed and new lines of research are suggested.