Author Question: Explain why your friend's relationship with Nick, a narcissist, is like chocolate cake. What will ... (Read 58 times)

drink · **on:** Jun 21, 2018

Explain why your friend's relationship with Nick, a narcissist, is like chocolate cake.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the dark triad and its effects on relationships.

What will be an ideal response?

livaneabi · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: The chocolate cake model, a model of relationships that start off well and end poorly, originally developed to explain relationships with narcissists such as Nick. Imagine you have the choice of eating either chocolate cake or broccoli. You think for about half a second and then make a move for the chocolate cake. The cake tastes so good, and you get a big sugar rush that makes you feel like you are soaring with the eagles. Unfortunately, 20 minutes later the inevitable crash to earth occurs. You feel empty and lethargicand you ask yourself why you ate the stupid chocolate cake in the first place. The broccoli would have produced a different outcome: You would not have had any rush, but 20 minutes later, you would not have had a massive crash. Instead, you would feel healthy and think, I eat right and take care of myself.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: The dark triad is a combination of three negative traits: psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism. Psychopathy includes a lack of empathy mixed with impulsivity. People with high levels of psychopathy tend not to be affected by the suffering of others. Machiavellianism includes a lack of empathy and a willingness to exploit others. People high in this trait can be manipulative and deceptive, willing to do whatever it takes to stay in power, win a game, or succeed. Narcissism includes a lack of empathy and a sense of grandiosity. Narcissistic people care only about themselves and preserving their positive self-image. People high in dark triad traits are more likely to take a game-playing approach to relationships. Dark triad individuals are willing to exploit others and can be players, engaging in short-term relationships even when their partners desire a longer-term relationship. People high in these traits are more likely to have a more pragmatic approach to relationships, thinking about what the other person can do for them.