Valuing myself over others: The Dark Triad traits and moral and social values

• The moral and social value systems of the Dark Triad traits were examined.
• Machiavellianism evidenced moral flexibility and limited collective values.
• Psychopathy was negatively correlated with all moral values and collective values.
• Narcissism was linked to a socially desirable moral complex and individual values.
• Individual differences in values mediated sex differences in the Dark Triad.

In samples from America and Germany (N = 1353), we examined how the Dark Triad traits related to different value systems as measured by Moral Foundations and Social Values. Psychopathy was linked to diminished concerns for all Moral Foundations, Machiavellianism was linked to a moral flexibility, and narcissism was linked to a socially desirable form of morality. Machiavellianism and psychopathy scores were associated with a devaluing of collective interests, whereas narcissism was associated with a valuing of individual interests through the value of Self-Enhancement. Individual differences in a variety of values mediated part of the sex differences in the Dark Triad traits. We contend that what makes the Dark Triad traits unique and interesting is that they share a unique complex of values that might run counter to societal expectations for selflessness.