Virtuous victimhood as a Dark Triad resource transfer strategy

Abstract

Virtuous victim signals have been described as a resource transfer strategy motivated by dark traits of narcissism and Machiavellianism Ok et al. (2021). Here we report direct replication of key predictions of this claim, test robustness to alternative predictors, and explore possible roles for sadism within virtuous-victim signalling. Study 1 (N = 750, preregistered) replicated significant, large, associations of virtuous victim signalling with communal narcissism and Machiavellianism. Study 2 (N = 750, preregistered) tested robustness of the association using an alternative victim signalling measure. The results again replicated, this time with larger effects (β = 0.41 for narcissism and β = 0.22 for Machiavellianism). Virtuous-victim status releases resources to the claimant but also leaves the accused as targets for attack. We therefore explored (study 3) whether a further dark trait – sadism –predicted exploitation of this victimization opportunity. Sadism was significantly and specifically associated with engaging in and enjoying attacks on accused. The results provide independent support for virtuous victim signalling as narcissistic Machiavellianism. Dark traits may be adapted to exploit the resources released to victims, and opportunities for resource-capture provided by victimizing others under a righteous guise.