Study: People are sexually attracted to individuals with anti-social personality traits

[Anonymous]

Dr. Lehmiller reports on studies showing that, despite a reported preference for partners with nice qualities, that people are, in fact, drawn sexually to people with anti-social personality traits; specifically "the Dark Triad" of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.

In one study, a group of college women were asked to rate the attractiveness of profiles of men who varied in their levels of the Dark Triad traits [1]. The physical characteristics of the men were held constant—what varied was only whether they were high or low in these three personality characteristics.

The men who were high in Dark Triad traits were rated as being significantly more attractive than the men who were low on them—and it was a fairly sizeable difference (specifically, more than a full scale point). What was especially interesting about this study is that the researchers also asked participants to evaluate the men on their perceived levels of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—and the men who were high on these traits were indeed perceived as such. So the participants consciously recognized this fact, yet still rated them as more attractive.

Being a good person probably leads to a longer, happier life with deeper relationships. But, if you're looking to have sex with a lot of people, that's probably not your best strategy.

[Anonymous]

Yes.

It's the Don Draper effect. Who didn't find him sexy as hell in Mad Men---even though he was a complete a-hole??

And if that silver haired fox, his boss?

Big from 'Sex & the City' over Steve?

Bad boys always attract women.

[Anonymous]

Crazy attracts crazy. If a person is attracted to traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, etc., it’s probably a good idea for that person to look deep inside and ask why. If the person isn’t looking to be emotionally attached, then it might be harmless. But allowing yourself to have feelings for a person with dark triad traits - that’s a one way, self-sabotaging ticket to disaster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes.

It's the Don Draper effect. Who didn't find him sexy as hell in Mad Men---even though he was a complete a-hole??

And if that silver haired fox, his boss?

Big from 'Sex & the City' over Steve?

Bad boys always attract women.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-babble/201404/mad-man-indeed-the-psychology-don-draper

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Crazy attracts crazy. If a person is attracted to traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, etc., it’s probably a good idea for that person to look deep inside and ask why. If the person isn’t looking to be emotionally attached, then it might be harmless. But allowing yourself to have feelings for a person with dark triad traits - that’s a one way, self-sabotaging ticket to disaster.

Many of these men are experts at love bombing and masking that side---until you are a few years in. It's intoxicating and they usually pick women that can't fathom that someone can be that evil. There are studies that show they get 'high value kibble' from going after educated, attractive, nice women. I mean, if a high quality woman like that falls for them---they must be the sh*t. Those are the type of women they look to marry---but will end up cheating on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Crazy attracts crazy. If a person is attracted to traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, etc., it’s probably a good idea for that person to look deep inside and ask why. If the person isn’t looking to be emotionally attached, then it might be harmless. But allowing yourself to have feelings for a person with dark triad traits - that’s a one way, self-sabotaging ticket to disaster.

Many of these men are experts at love bombing and masking that side---until you are a few years in. It's intoxicating and they usually pick women that can't fathom that someone can be that evil. There are studies that show they get 'high value kibble' from going after educated, attractive, nice women. I mean, if a high quality woman like that falls for them---they must be the sh*t. Those are the type of women they look to marry---but will end up cheating on.

Yes but there’s also the risk a high value woman will figure him out and take him to the cleaners. Accordingly, these guys probably would prefer a homemaker type who is trusting and perhaps not that worldly, so she’ll be more likely to put up with nonsense and less likely to figure him out. Plus, free housekeeping and child care services, and maybe some family money to boot. It’s all the more reason women (as well as men) need to be alert to what someone’s intentions are for them and for marriage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Crazy attracts crazy. If a person is attracted to traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, etc., it’s probably a good idea for that person to look deep inside and ask why. If the person isn’t looking to be emotionally attached, then it might be harmless. But allowing yourself to have feelings for a person with dark triad traits - that’s a one way, self-sabotaging ticket to disaster.

The blog post notes that people who "fall in love fast" are more likely to show attraction to these dark traits. So, I think you're right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Crazy attracts crazy. If a person is attracted to traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, etc., it’s probably a good idea for that person to look deep inside and ask why. If the person isn’t looking to be emotionally attached, then it might be harmless. But allowing yourself to have feelings for a person with dark triad traits - that’s a one way, self-sabotaging ticket to disaster.

Many of these men are experts at love bombing and masking that side---until you are a few years in. It's intoxicating and they usually pick women that can't fathom that someone can be that evil. There are studies that show they get 'high value kibble' from going after educated, attractive, nice women. I mean, if a high quality woman like that falls for them---they must be the sh*t. Those are the type of women they look to marry---but will end up cheating on.

As the study was summarized, at least, the women ranked these guys high on the dark traits and still thought they were sexy. So, I don't think this is just an issue with women not knowing what they're getting into. On some level, they know, and still like what they see.

[Anonymous]

It's the thrill of the chase. Tale as old as time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Crazy attracts crazy. If a person is attracted to traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, etc., it’s probably a good idea for that person to look deep inside and ask why. If the person isn’t looking to be emotionally attached, then it might be harmless. But allowing yourself to have feelings for a person with dark triad traits - that’s a one way, self-sabotaging ticket to disaster.

Many of these men are experts at love bombing and masking that side---until you are a few years in. It's intoxicating and they usually pick women that can't fathom that someone can be that evil. There are studies that show they get 'high value kibble' from going after educated, attractive, nice women. I mean, if a high quality woman like that falls for them---they must be the sh*t. Those are the type of women they look to marry---but will end up cheating on.

As the study was summarized, at least, the women ranked these guys high on the dark traits and still thought they were sexy. So, I don't think this is just an issue with women not knowing what they're getting into. On some level, they know, and still like what they see.

These men are seen as 'alphas'. A male that copulates with lots of females and his fancy colorful peacock feathers attracts the women. Then, some other male can stay and raise the child they think is theirs. It's biological.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Crazy attracts crazy. If a person is attracted to traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, etc., it’s probably a good idea for that person to look deep inside and ask why. If the person isn’t looking to be emotionally attached, then it might be harmless. But allowing yourself to have feelings for a person with dark triad traits - that’s a one way, self-sabotaging ticket to disaster.

Many of these men are experts at love bombing and masking that side---until you are a few years in. It's intoxicating and they usually pick women that can't fathom that someone can be that evil. There are studies that show they get 'high value kibble' from going after educated, attractive, nice women. I mean, if a high quality woman like that falls for them---they must be the sh*t. Those are the type of women they look to marry---but will end up cheating on.

As the study was summarized, at least, the women ranked these guys high on the dark traits and still thought they were sexy. So, I don't think this is just an issue with women not knowing what they're getting into. On some level, they know, and still like what they see.

These men are seen as 'alphas'. A male that copulates with lots of females and his fancy colorful peacock feathers attracts the women. Then, some other male can stay and raise the child they think is theirs. It's biological.

It doesn't work in reverse. Women that screw indiscriminately are not viewed as high value.

[Anonymous]

Does this only apply to men? I am a Dark Triad lady who never had trouble getting dates. If you think of homemakers as "less worldly" you need to hear Chris Rock's take. It takes an extremely calculating person to mask emotions and manipulate daily as the most successful homemakers even do. The general perception of them as less intelligent -- and therefore, less threatening -- is a result of brilliant PR.

[Anonymous]

I have 2 out of the 3 traits. Is that why I get so much male attention?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does this only apply to men? I am a Dark Triad lady who never had trouble getting dates. If you think of homemakers as "less worldly" you need to hear Chris Rock's take. It takes an extremely calculating person to mask emotions and manipulate daily as the most successful homemakers even do. The general perception of them as less intelligent -- and therefore, less threatening -- is a result of brilliant PR.

Honey, you are not as wonderful as you think you are. And quoting Chris Rock to make your point ?

What you describe is high level deceit and compartmentalization characteristic of a personality disorder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have 2 out of the 3 traits. Is that why I get so much male attention?

+1