Abstract
The Dark Triad (DT) is associated with maladaptive interactions in their social and interpersonal relationships. Individuals with high levels of DT traits are also assumed to be defectors in social situations. However, it is unclear how they perceive others’ helpfulness towards them. Thus, study 1 aimed at understanding whether these individuals are able to perceive help from others, when provided with situations that differentially benefit them. In a multinational sample from over 40 countries (N = 679), findings revealed that in a situation where others are objectively not helpful, those with high levels of psychopathy and Machiavellianism uniquely perceive others as helpful. Furthermore, in a situation where others are objectively helpful, those with high psychopathy perceive others as less helpful. To extend our understanding of the DT’s behavior in social situations, Study 2 explored the perception of helpfulness and defection in an ultimatum game among the DT at different levels of helpfulness (high- and low- help condition). Data from 1059 participants showed that psychopathy positively predicted perception of help for the low-help group—suggesting that individuals with a high score on psychopathy are less likely to recognize others' helpfulness towards them. Additionally, individuals with a high score on narcissism showed a greater likelihood of accepting a high help offer. Machiavellianism, however, did not predict perception of help and defection in either of the conditions. Future studies can explore intervention strategies for improving individuals' (with high levels of DT) perceptions in social situations.
Keywords: Dark Triad, prosocial behavior, defection, perception of help, ultimatum game
Citation: Puthillam, A., Mehta, N., Kapoor, H., Rezaei, S., and Lamba, N. (2022). Helpful or Not? Appraisal and Mechanisms of Prosociality in the Dark Triad. (Monk Prayogshala Psychology Working Paper #022-06).
Abstract
This study advances the exploration of food disgust by examining its relationship with political ideology and moral attitudes towards non-vegetarianism in India. Our non-experimental research delves into the influence of political ideology, vote preference, and trait disgust on aversion towards non-vegetarian food and its consumers, predicting their role in fostering disgust and perceiving these individuals as morally questionable in India. The study reveals insights into the complex relationships between political orientation, personal traits, and dietary attitudes. These findings emphasize the necessity of considering a broader array of factors beyond conventional variables in political and food psychology research, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of how political ideology and disgust shape attitudes towards non-vegetarianism in India. Limitations have been discussed in detail.
Keywords: disgust, food, moral attitudes, non-vegetarianism, party preference, political ideology
Suggested citation:
Puthillam, A., Rezaei, S., Zahoor, Z., Mange, U., and Kapoor, H. (2024). You Are What You Eat: How Does Political Ideology Predict Disgust Toward Food in India? (Monk Prayogshala Psychology Working Paper #024-02).