The Dark Side of Conventionalism: Dark-side Personality Traits and the Values of Security and Tradition

There are many psychological concepts associated with sociopolitical conventionalism and conservatism, including authoritarianism, dogmatism and ethnocentrism. In this study, we examine dark-side personality trait correlates of two values/motives associated with conservatism: tradition and security. In all, 2,279 adults completed a measure of values (Motives, Values and Preferences Inventory) and one of dark-side personality (Hogan Development Survey). The correlation and regression results showed similar patterns between the two values, indicating a relationship with diligent, narcissistic and psychopathic dark-side personality traits. Implications of dealing with and understanding people high on these two values are considered. Limitations are acknowledged.