COVID-19 prevention behaviour is differentially motivated by primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism and vulnerable Dark Triad traits

Blanchard, AE; Keenan, G; Heym, N; Sumich, A

Abstract

Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism) are associated with nonadherence to COVID-19 prevention measures such as social distancing and wearing face masks, although the psychological mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain unclear. In contrast, high threat-sensitivity may motivate compliance, and maybe seen in relation to vulnerable dark traits (secondary psychopathy, vulnerable narcissism and borderline personality disorder). The relationship between vulnerable dark traits and COVID-19 prevention behaviour has not been examined. During April 2021, participants (n=263) completed an online psychometric study assessing engagement with COVID-19 prevention behaviour, traditional DT traits (primary psychopathy; grandiose narcissism) and vulnerable DT traits. Potential indirect effects were fear of COVID-19, perceived coronavirus severity, belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and altruism. Model of path analysis identified predictors of engagement in disease prevention behaviour. Primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism, secondary psychopathy and BPD were associated with less COVID-19 prevention behaviour, with an indirect effect of reduced coronavirus severity. Grandiose narcissism and BPD were also motivated by COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and increased prevention behaviour when fear of COVID-19 was higher. No direct or indirect effects were observed for Vulnerable narcissism. The current study is the first to elucidate psychological mechanisms linking vulnerable dark traits with COVID-19 prevention behaviour.

Citation

Blanchard, A., Keenan, G., Heym, N., & Sumich, A. (2022). COVID-19 prevention behaviour is differentially motivated by primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism and vulnerable Dark Triad traits. Personality and Individual Differences, 112060,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 13, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Dec 27, 2022
• Publication Date: Dec 27, 2022
• Deposit Date: Feb 13, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 28, 2024
• Journal: Personality and Individual Differences
• Print ISSN: 0191-8869
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 112060
• Keywords: Dark triad traits, vulnerable dark triad, COVID-19, fear of COVID-19, conspiracy beliefs, narcissism, psychopathy, borderline personality
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2022.112060
• Additional Information: Funders : Bishop Grosseteste University