Credibility predicts positive interpersonal quality, when levels of psychopathology are low but not high

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.111072

Explanation

Self-expression is thought to be associated with a number of well-being outcomes, but it is not clear whether these benefits persist if the self being expressed is callous and malicious.

Two studies (total N = 866) tested the extent to which the relationship between authenticity and interpersonal quality is moderated by Dark Triad personality traits.

Of these, an exploratory study (N = 380) resulted showing that psychopathology significantly moderated the relationship between authenticity and self-esteem, depression, hostility, and rocky relationships. A subsequent pre-registered confirmatory study (N = 486) replicated the exploratory findings for both hostility and rocky relationships.

We found that authenticity was associated with positive interpersonal quality when psychopathy was low, but not when psychopathy was high.

These findings highlight the possible dependence of the relationship between authentic self-expression and well-being on personality traits as they are expressed.