Predictive value of the Light Triad

Abstract

The concept of the Light Triad (LT) was recently proposed as a set of three traits of Faith in humanity (FiH), Humanism, and Kantianism to describe benevolent and loving relationship towards others, directly opposing the well-known traits of the Dark Triad. The present research is examining the predictive and concurrent validity of the LT over and above the Dark Tetrad for everyday behaviors. The sample was composed of 248 participants (41 men, Mage = 30.02, SD = 10.95). Light traits were assessed using a 12-item measure of the LT, while the Dark tetrad was measured by 27-item SD3 and 9 Core sadism items of VAST. For assessing everyday behavior, using a five point scale (1 - never, 5 - very often), participants answered how often have they: a) gave money or food to the poor, b) volunteered for humanitarian causes, c) cheated on their sexual partner, d) were in a romantic relationship with a person who is already romantically committed, e) returned the difference in change to the cashier if they received more than they should, and f) checked their wallet in public transportation when close to Roma people. We also asked participants g) how many people they got into a serious quarrel with in the past six months. The results showed that Humanism and Kantianism positively correlated with helping the poor (rH = .16, rK = .14, p < .05) and returning the change (rH = .22, rK = .20, p < .01), negatively with cheating the partner (rH = -.14, rK = -.15, both p < .05). FiH only correlated with returning the change (r = .21, p < .01). Regression analysis indicated that the light traits do not have any incremental predictive value in the case of helping the poor and cheating, over and above the dark traits. LT, however, added to the prediction over the dark traits when it comes to giving back the change to the cashier (ΔF = 3.78, ΔR2 = .04, p = .01) with Kantianism being a marginally significant predictor (β = .13, p =.05). We discuss the degree to which the LT may add some novelty in studying human behavior.