Measurement Invariance of the Short Dark Tetrad Across Cultures and Genders

Abstract. The last two decades revealed a plethora of scientific examinations on the Dark Triad (narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism) and Tetrad traits (Dark + sadism) in variety contexts. Short scales for assessment these have been very influential widely used. Building upon previous research, 28-item (SD4) was introduced as measure traits. A recent study found that SD4 is invariant across genders, but little known concerning invariance cultures. Therefore, we tested measurement (MI) between German US participants. Additionally, replicated extant findings MI genders. analyses suggested configural cultures, metric genders sample, scalar sample. To address only modest fit samples, further computed Exploratory Structural Equation Models. Those were mostly consistent with original model structure indicated adding marginal cross-loadings among factors accounts enhanced fit. Possible explanations related to discussed.