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

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.

Keywords: Borderline personality; COVID-19; Conspiracy beliefs; Dark triad traits; Fear of COVID-19; Narcissism; Psychopathy; Vulnerable dark triad.

Fig. 1

Results from the path analysis for primary psychopathy and grandiose narcissism. For ease of interpretation, only elements of the significant indirect pathways are presented. Error terms and covariances not visually represented. Values are standardized regression coefficients (*p < .05, **p < .001, ***p < .001).

Fig. 2

Results from the path analysis for vulnerable dark triad traits. For ease of interpretation, only elements of the significant indirect pathways are presented. Error terms and covariances not visually represented. Values are standardized regression coefficients. (*p < .05, **p < .001, ***p < .001).