Predictive Role of Dark Triad of Personality in Social Skills and Lying Behavior of Adolescents

Dark Triad, Social Skills, and Lying Behavior

Abstract

Objectives. The present study attempted to explore the predictive role of dark triad of
personality in social skills and lying behavior of adolescents. It was also intended to determine
the mediating role of lying behavior in predicting social skills.
Method. Sample (N=350) comprised of school students of grade 9 and 10 (girls = 230 and
boys = 120) with age range 15 to 18 years from the government and private schools. Dark Triad
of Personality Scale (Paulhus, 2013), Lying Scale (Finkenauer, Engels, & Kooten, 2006), and
Matson Evaluation of Social Skills (Matson, Rotatori, & Helsel, 1983) were employed to
appraise the major constructs of the study.
Results. Results showed that dark triad traits negatively predicted social skills and positively
predicted lying behavior; whereas lying behavior was positively related with social skills. In
addition, social skills significantly mediated the relationship between dark triads of personality
and lying behavior of adolescents. Gender differences indicated that boys reflected higher dark
triad traits and lying behavior as compared to girls; while non-significant gender differences
were found in relation to social skills.

Implications. Findings of the study would bear implications in clinical and educational settings to regulate inclinations to lie and enhancing
better interpersonal skills.