Name: Pallavi Singh and Tushar Chauhan Date: 04-07-2025
Background: There has been growing interest in understanding why certain socially aversive personality traits known as the Dark Triad (Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy), seem to hold appeal in romantic contexts. While these traits are typically associated with manipulation, lack of empathy, and emotional detachment, these can be enticing in short term mating preference for women.
Aim: This paper aims to synthesize and critically evaluate psychological research examining how Dark Triad traits influence women’s romantic preferences
Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, drawing from empirical studies and theoretical frameworks within personality psychology, evolutionary psychology, and social psychology.
Result: The review reveals that women may be drawn to individuals high in Dark Triad traits due to their superficial charm, self-assuredness, and dominant social presence. Traits such as narcissistic grandiosity, Machiavellian strategic thinking, and psychopathic thrill-seeking can create an impression of excitement and power, particularly in short-term or non-committed relational contexts. Factors like sensation-seeking tendencies, age, and cultural narratives (e.g., media glorification of “bad boys”) further amplify this attraction. Ultimately, these traits are linked to preferences for fleeting, emotionally distant, and often exploitative relationships.
Conclusion: The paradoxical allure of toxic personality traits highlights the complex interplay between biological drives, psychological needs, and cultural messaging. By shedding light on the mechanisms through which the Dark Triad influences romantic decision-making, this review underscores the need for greater awareness of how these dynamics can shape—and sometimes undermine—women’s relational well-being.
Keywords: Dark Triad, Romanticization, Women’s attraction, Psychopathy, Narcissism, Machiavellianism.
