Title

There has been a wealth of research into the Dark Triad (DT: Psychopathy, Machiavellianism and Narcissism).  This study predicted that through assessments for an individual’s sense of power (gSPS) and Trait Emotional Intelligence (EI: TEIQUE-sf) combined with the presence of the DT, an individual might support punishment towards an other.  The researcher developed a punishment scale with high internal validity (α = 0.78), as pre-existing scales did not seem appropriate for such research.  In this present study (n = 146) weak significant positive correlations occurred between Emotional Intelligence with Machiavellianism (p < .001) and Narcissism (p < .001), as well as general sense of power with Machiavellianism (p < .001) and Psychopathy (p < .001).  Additionally, a weak significant positive correlation occurred between Machiavellianism and EI subscale ‘Self-Control’ with general sense of power (p < .05). The same occurred when Machiavellianism was exchanged for Psychopathy (p < .05).  Furthermore, a weak significant positive correlation occurred between global EI with punishment subscale ‘Offender Rehabilitation’ and general sense of power (p < .005). Findings showed that there are significant relationships between certain variables within the DT, EI, punishment and general sense of power.  Limitations for this study include the use of short-form assessments for measuring personality traits, and the potential for social desirability with regard to the socially sensitive statements used in the self-report assessments.  Results obtained using this punishment scale indicate that future research might benefit from a more targeted study population and the inclusion of qualitative aspects through observation studies combined with EEGs to build on current findings.