Though studies have shown certain personality traits to predict behavior during the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the impact of dark personality traits on affect and cognition in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been determined.
To investigate the relationship between dark personality traits and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, data from 402 individuals (50.2% women) in the United States were analyzed.
Individuals filled out a series of questionnaires regarding their personalities and thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dark personality traits, including narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, were measured using the Dirty Dozen questionnaire.
Individuals high in narcissism and psychopathy were less likely to engage in cleaning behaviors in response to the pandemic, whereas individuals high in sadism were more likely to engage in cleaning behaviors (P <.05).
This study showed that dark personality traits significantly predicted affect, thoughts, and behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Individuals with narcissism may similarly have a negative response to the pandemic as it restricts their ability to exploit others within the social system. »
