Dark vocational preferences: A network analysis of Dark Triad facets and vocational interests

Growing interest in the career preferences of dark personalities has led to empirical investigation into the relationship between Dark Triad traits and vocational interests. However, little research has examined this relationship at the facet level. This study uses network analysis to investigate the relationships between seven facets of Dark Triad traits (psychopathic Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition; Machiavellian View and Tactics; and Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry) and vocational interests. Undergraduate students ( N = 609) completed facet-level measures of the Dark Triad and, two weeks later, a vocational interest inventory assessing SETPOINT ( Health S cience, Creative E xpression, T echnology, P eople, O rganization, I nfluence, N ature, and T hings ) interest dimensions. Network analysis revealed differential relationships of Dark Triad facets to SETPOINT interests. In addition, network centrality (expected influence and strength) and bridge centrality indices (bridge expected influence) were computed. Influence (interest in leading and influencing others in business, politics, and legal domains) emerged as the most central variable, and the bridge node linking Dark Triad and vocational interest constructs. This implies that dark personality facets are most likely to co-occur with interest in leadership positions, especially in business and politics. Findings suggest network analysis as a promising approach for understanding the relationship between dark personality traits and vocational interests. • Network analysis examined Dark Triad facet–vocational interest relationships. • Interests were conceptualized using the SETPOINT model. • Patterns of partial correlations differed across different Dark Triad facets. • Influence interest dimension emerged as the most central node and the bridge node. • Findings provide nuanced insights into dark vocational preferences.