Assessing Vulnerable and Antagonistic Traits Using the Five-Factor Model Measures

In this preregistered study, we evaluated whether the Five-Factor Model Antagonistic Triad Measure (FFM ATM) can adequately capture both traditional and vulnerable expressions of socially aversive ("Dark Triad") personality traits. In a sample of 326 university students aged 18 to 24 (M = 18.39, SD = 0.85), we administered the FFM ATM, the Five-Factor Borderline Inventory-Super Short Form (FFBI-SSF), the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder, and the Short Dark Triad. The FFM ATM accounted for a substantial portion of the variance in the traditional Dark Triad constructs, as well as secondary psychopathy and vulnerable narcissism, but was less successful in relation to borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits. Incremental validity analyses revealed that supplementing the FFM ATM with items from the FFBI-SSF significantly enhanced the prediction of BPD traits. Exploratory factor analysis further indicated that integrating FFBI-SSF items produced a distinct BPD-like factor that extends beyond the core dimensions of antagonism, impulsivity, emotional stability, and agency. These findings suggest that the FFM ATM provides a parsimonious framework for assessing antagonistic and most vulnerable Dark Triad traits, but additional targeted measures can aid in the prediction of BPD traits.