Envy, entitlement, and cutting the line: Dark personality predicted selfishness during the U.S. COVID‐19 vaccine rollout

Abstract

AbstractDark Triad personality traits (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machivellianism) predict increased selfish thinking and behavior. In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, they have been related to behaviors such as greater hoarding and decreased COVID‐preventative behaviors. Here we examined whether the Dark Triad might predict selfish beliefs and behavior surrounding COVID‐19 vaccinations during the 2021 U.S. vaccine rollout—a time when availability was scarce and people were prioritized based on factors like preexisting medical conditions or line of work. In a sample of 499 people, we found that the constellation of Dark Triad traits predicted skipping one's priority in line to get the COVID‐19 vaccine earlier among the vaccinated. Among the unvaccinated it predicted greater envy, entitlement, perceptions of unfairness, and willingness to skip the line. Taken together, these findings suggest that those high in the Dark Triad do not simply care less about their health and safety, instead there may be circumstances in which dark traits predict preventative, albeit selfish, behavior.