The Dark Triad and the self-presentation variables of socially desirable responding and self-monitoring

•Examined Dark Triad in relation to social desirability (SD) and self-monitoring (SM).•SD positively correlated with narcissism.•SD negatively correlated with Machiavellianism and psychopathy.•SM correlated with narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.

The three socially malevolent personality traits, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, which make up the Dark Triad, were examined in relation to socially desirable responding and self-monitoring based on self-report responses from volunteer participants. Although the prediction that self-monitoring would be positively correlated with Machiavellianism was supported, self-monitoring had stronger positive correlations with narcissism and psychopathy. In addition, although the prediction that socially desirable responding would be positively correlated with narcissism was supported, larger significant negative correlations with both Machiavellianism and psychopathy were also found. Obtained results suggest that those scoring higher on more antagonistic traits are less concerned with social desirability.