The Dark Tetrad Traits Differentially Predict Gossip Frequency and Motives

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From an evolutionary perspective, gossip is argued to facilitate competition for survival and reproductive resources, such as status and mates. Previous work indicates that individual differences in the Dark Triad dimensions predict gossip motives. However, it is unclear how these “dark” traits might relate to gossip frequency, and the relations between the Dark Triad and motives for gossiping remain equivocal. Furthermore, researchers have yet to consider how everyday sadism as a part of the Dark Tetrad might predict gossip frequency and motives. In the current study, 516 North American adults (Mage = 37.90, SD = 12.76; 53.1% female) completed self-report measures for the Dark Tetrad, gossip frequency, and motives for gossiping. In a series of multiple regression analyses (controlling for age and biological sex), psychopathy emerged as the strongest positive predictor of gossiping, as well as the negative influence and protection motives. Machiavellianism positively predicted each gossip motive and was the only predictor of the information gathering and validation motive. These results extend the literature on personality and gossiping from an evolutionary viewpoint by helping to test novel links and clarify ambiguous associations between the Dark Tetrad dimensions and gossip frequency and motives influencing the behaviour.