When you need identity management, people higher in some “dark” personalities can be your most thoughtful and altruistic helpers

Some research found that actors higher in dark-personality constructs help others cultivate desired identities (i.e., beneficial impression management; BIM) and this helping could be based partly in an altruistic agenda. We expand on these findings by testing whether these “dark” actors are responsive to the salient identity needs of others. Participants completed indices of grandiose narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and vulnerable narcissism. Then, participants imagined a scenario wherein they would complete a mock recommendation form by rating a hypothetical friend on desirable characteristics. Prior to providing ratings, participants self-reported their intent to use BIM. As a between-subjects manipulation, participants found that their friend was either deficient (high need) or adequate (low need) on the desirable characteristics. All dark-personality constructs (sans grandiose narcissism) related to enhanced BIM intent. Grandiose narcissism and Machiavellianism related to enhanced BIM usage, but these effects were stronger in the high-need condition. All dark-personality constructs related positively to self-reported selfish goals, and grandiose narcissism and Machiavellianism also related positively to self-reported altruistic goals. The study provides evidence that grandiose-narcissistic and Machiavellian actors might experience altruistic orientations and respond to the identity needs of others in contexts involving BIM.