This video answers the question: What is the relationship between the dark triad traits and sexual fantasies? The dark triad comprises three personality traits narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. When we think of the dark triad, we think of narcissism as the ‘lightest trait’ and psychopathy as the ‘darkest trait.’ These different traits have characteristics in common like empathy deficits, selfishness, a short-term mating style, as well as being competitive, antisocial, hedonistic, and having antagonism. We can think of antagonism as a low score on the agreeableness trait of the five-factor model.
Narcissism in dark triad is really grandiose narcissism. We see characteristics like arrogance, being socially dominant, being self-centered, a sense of entitlement, and a tendency to manipulate others (we see this characteristic with all three of the dark triad traits). Psychopathy characteristics include callousness; a lack of empathy, remorse, or guilt; violating society's norms; being irresponsible; being impulsive; having shallow effect; and superficial charm. The trait of Machiavellianism includes antisocial behaviors, but they're usually conceptualized as white-collar crime. We also see cynicism, having good impulse control (so this would differentiate Machiavellianism from psychopathy), callousness and being goal-oriented (usually we conceptualize the goal as being negative).
The first sexual fantasy is “intimate.” This is the most common fantasy. Here we see a sense of attachment and familiarity. This is when somebody wants to connect with a sexual partner at the emotional level. The next sexual fantasy is referred to as “exploratory.” Here we see a commission of diverse acts, like mate swapping or promiscuity. The next one is the “impersonal” fantasy. Here we see characteristics like being emotionally detached and disinterested, for example, fetishism. The last sexual fantasy theme is the "sadomasochistic" fantasy. Here we see causing or submitting to physical or emotional abuse.
Baughman, H. M., Jonason, P. K., Veselka, L., & Vernon, P. A. (2014). Four shades of sexual fantasies linked to the Dark Triad. Personality and Individual Differences, 67, 47-51.