Dark Triad Personality Traits Impulsivity and Aggression in Adolescents

Abstract

                                                                                            Abstract

Background. Study explored the dark triad traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism)
predictive relationship with aggression and impulsivity in school going children.

Method. In a cross-sectional design with a purposive sample of 200 school-going boys and 200 girls (N
= 400), 8th -10th grade, age range of 14-17 years were conveniently taken from government and private
schools. We used Dark Triad of Personality (D3- Short, Jones & Paulhus, 2014), Barratt Impulsiveness
Scale (BIS-11, Stanford et al., 2009), and Aggression Questionnaire (AQ, Buss & Perry, 1992).

Results. Results revealed dark traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism) significantly and
positively associated with impulsiveness (Motor Impulsiveness, Non-planning impulsiveness and
Attentional impulsiveness) and aggression (Verbal Aggression, Physical Aggression, Anger and
Hostility). Boys expressed higher average levels of dark traits, impulsiveness and aggression than girls;
and dark traits and gender predicted impulsiveness (44%) and aggression (35%).

Conclusion. The study has significant implications especially in educational and school settings.

Keywords. Dark Triad Personality Traits, Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, impulsivity,
aggression