We examined the relationship between Dark Triad (DT) traits—specifically, Machiavellianism and subclinical psychopathy—and utilitarian moral decisions (i.e., promoting the greater good). Although previous studies have found relationships between DT traits and utilitarianism, past research may have confounded whether or not utilitarian choice options were self-interested. In light of the DT's association with selfish motivations, we hypothesized that whether a utilitarian choice option was self-interested would moderate the relationship between DT traits and ostensible utilitarianism. In an online experiment (N = 155), we manipulated the self-interest of utilitarian choice options in moral dilemmas. Consistent with hypotheses, Machiavellianism predicted more utilitarian choices and greater endorsement of those choices, but only for dilemmas in which utilitarianism was self-interested. These findings are consistent with past research, but also extend previous findings on utilitarian moral judgment.

我们研究了黑暗三合会 (DT) 特征——特别是马基雅维利主义和亚临床精神病——与功利主义道德决定（即促进更大的利益）之间的关系。尽管之前的研究发现了 DT 特质与功利主义之间的关系，但过去的研究可能混淆了功利主义选择选项是否是自利的。鉴于 DT 与自私动机的关联，我们假设功利主义选择是否是自利的会调节 DT 特征与表面功利主义之间的关系。在在线实验中（N = 155），我们在道德困境中操纵了功利主义选择的自身利益。与假设一致，马基雅维利主义预测了更多功利主义选择和对这些选择的更大认可，但仅限于功利主义自利的困境。这些发现与过去的研究一致，但也扩展了先前关于功利主义道德判断的发现。