The dark triad and the Roma: Intergroup emotions and behavioral tendencies

In this paper, we investigate the role that the dark personalities — psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism — play in shaping the relationship between Italians and the Roma. We predicted that the three traits are associated with avoidance tendencies, through the mediation of core intergroup emotions: higher anxiety and disgust, lower empathy and trust. A survey was performed. Participants — Italian University students and adults — were recruited in different Italian regions. A structural equation model was tested, in which psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism were the independent variables, emotions were the mediators, and approach and avoidance tendencies were the outcomes. Unexpectedly, psychopathy did not show any significant relationship with the mediators and the outcomes, and narcissism was positively related to approach responses. Machiavellianism, being positively related to anxiety and disgust, and negatively related to empathy and trust, was related to the propensity to avoid contact with the Roma. Practical implications of the study are discussed.