Investigating the relationship between non-consensual condom removal and the dark triad of personality

Abstract

Whilst some research has been conducted into those who engage in non-consensual condom removal, the aim of the study was to explore the relationship between Dark Triad of Personality traits (i.e. machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) and arousal from, intention to engage in, and reported behavioural history of non-consensual condom removal (i.e. stealthing), which is a type of sexual violence. Results found that there were associations between all Dark Triad traits and all types of condom use resistance; individuals who were aroused by stealthing scenarios and who reported a behavioural history of stealthing scored significantly higher on machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy compared to those who were not aroused by or did not report a behavioural history of stealthing. Psychopathy and narcissism were found to be significant predictors of a person’s reported intention to engage in stealthing behaviour. Future research into the relationship between Dark Triad and other types of personality traits and stealthing behaviour is needed to inform assessment, prevention, and treatment for perpetrators of this type of sexual violence.