Dark Triad Traits and Risky Behaviours: Identifying Risk Profiles from a Person-Centred Approach

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• Recent research links Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism) to risky behaviors.
• Few studies have employed a person-centered approach to differentiate these relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify distinct subgroups based on Dark Triad trait profiles.
• To analyze how these subgroups differ in various risky behaviors.
• To explore the nuanced relationship between Dark Triad constellations and risk-taking.

Main Methods:

• Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups.
• The sample comprised 317 undergraduates (aged 18-34, 46% male).
• Risky behaviors assessed included substance use, aggression, risk perception/engagement, and problematic internet use.

Main Results:

• Five subgroups emerged: low-Dark Triad, narcissistic, Machiavellian/narcissistic, psychopathic, and Machiavellian/psychopathic.
• Machiavellian/narcissistic and Machiavellian/psychopathic groups showed elevated scores across most risky behaviors.
• The low-Dark Triad group demonstrated higher risk perception; no significant differences in substance use frequency were found.

Conclusions:

• Combined Dark Triad traits are associated with more negative risky behavior outcomes than individual traits.
• A person-centered approach is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between dark personalities and risk-taking behavior.