Mapping the manipulative:​ Appraising the structure of dark personalities through psychometric network analysis ​

Rationale: This investigation explores the multidimensionality and interrelatedness of the dark tetrad traits through empirical network analyses.

Methods: Online participants (Total N = 821) completed eight self-report measures. Gaussian Graphical models (GGMs) were conducted to examine the connectivity and centrality of facets within each domain independently, and the dark triad and tetrad models. Exploratory Graph Analyses (EGAs) were established from Sample One, and replicabilities were checked with Sample Two.

Results: All GGMs presented appropriate stabilities and indicated central facets within each tetrad domain. Antagonism, as assessed by the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory Super-Short form, had the greatest expected influence in both dark triad and tetrad networks. The same facet had the highest degree of centrality within the triad, and the second highest centrality within the tetrad. Within the EGAs, item level clustering indicated structures for the four independent domains, and clusters suggested structural organizations of the dark triad and tetrad facets.

Implications: The GGM results support previous evidence indicating antagonism to be a core feature within the dark triad and provide nuanced evidence for the influence of antagonism within the tetrad. The intricate structures suggested by the EGAs indicate that future research should prioritize assessments, which account for tetrad trait multidimensionality.