Subject(s)
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14 , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 20 , Elliptocytosis, Hereditary/diagnosis , Elliptocytosis, Hereditary/etiology , Erythrocytes/pathology , Myelodysplastic Syndromes/complications , Myelodysplastic Syndromes/genetics , Translocation, Genetic , Abnormal Karyotype , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Male , Myelodysplastic Syndromes/diagnosis , PhenotypeABSTRACT
Previous research has suggested that the Dark Triad traits and, specifically, Machiavellianism and psychopathy, are associated with a tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. The current study (N = 203) aimed to replicate and extend the existing research by examining the relationship between the Dark Tetrad traits—Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and everyday sadism—and a novel measure of COVID-19 conspiracist ideation. Machiavellian views and psychopathic antisociality were significant positive predictors of the tendency to believe in COVID-19 conspiracy theories, even when accounting for the participants’ knowledge about COVID-19. Overall, the results suggest that some (but not all) aspects of the Dark Tetrad are associated with COVID-19 conspiracist ideation.