Four shades of sexual fantasies linked to the Dark Triad

•Links between the Dark Triad and various sexual fantasies were studied.•Psychopathy was most strongly correlated with overall sex drive.•Narcissism was most strongly correlated with intimate sexual fantasies.•The Dark Triad partially mediated sex differences in sexual fantasies.

The present study explored the links between the Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and sexual fantasies in a sample of Canadian undergraduates (N = 643). Among the Dark Triad traits, psychopathy was the most strongly correlated with overall sex drive as well as fantasies containing exploratory, impersonal, and sadomasochistic themes. Further, individuals who scored high on narcissism reported engaging in intimate sexual fantasies more frequently. The Dark Triad, psychopathy in particular, facilitated overall sexual desire in men. Overall, these findings were consistent with the view that the Dark Triad facilitates an exploitative, short-term mating strategy. Implications are discussed in the context of an evolutionary framework.