How helpful are you to me? The relationship between the dark triad and appraisal of help in prosocial situations

The dark triad is associated with maladaptive interactions in their social and interpersonal relationships. Those with high levels of dark personality traits are also assumed to be defectors in social situations. However, it is unclear whether they are able to assess when others are being helpful to them. The present study aimed at understanding whether these individuals are able to perceive help from others, when provided with situations that differentially benefit them. In a multinational sample from over 40 countries (N = 679), we found that in a situation where others are not very helpful, those with high levels of psychopathy and Machiavellianism uniquely assess others as helpful. On the other hand, in a situation where others are helpful, those with high psychopathy assess others as helpful; Machiavellianism and narcissism did not have a link with appraising helpfulness. Implications are discussed.