Leave without saying a word: Ghosts and the Dark Triad Features

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103425

Explanation

This study extensively examined the early and middle stages of romantic and sexual relationships among individuals high in Dark Triad traits (i.e., psychopathology, Machiavellianism, narcissism), focusing on the termination phase of the relationship.

They found that ghosting was acceptable, Machiavellian, and psychopathic for those who reported ghosting someone in the past, compared to those who did not (N = 341). In the context of those who had ghosted someone in the past, those with higher Dark Triad traits rated ghosting as more acceptable for ending short-term relationships, but not long-term relationships.

The study also found that the correlations between acceptability and ghosting short-term partners and Dark Triad traits were localized to narcissistic men, who have similar but weaker effects on psychopathology.