In which ideological poking (tshirt, mugs, signs that denigrate political opponents) and the Dark Triad are examined (US residents). Dark Triad traits: Machiavellianism (MA) exploit others for personal gain), narcissism (NA) grandiosity, entitlement, self absorption, and psychopathy (PA) impulsive, antisocial, deficit empathy. Are Dark Triad traits predictors of ideological poking? Study 1, willingness to display insulting bumper stickers: poking correlated with PA and MA, not NA. Study 2 expanded criteria and replicated Study 1. Also, PA associated with poking of both in and outgroup audiences. Rising polarization might provide additional (consequence free) opportunity for poking, driving further polarization, especially with PA.
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