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The Dark Triad Traits in the Classroom: Their Risk and Protective Role in Teacher's Burnout
Sanja Bradić1, Jasna Hudek-Knezevic1, Igor Kardum1
1Department of Psychology, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Rijeka, Croatia.
Psychological Reports
|March 25, 2025
Summary
This study reveals psychopathy increases teacher burnout, while narcissism may offer protection. Stress moderates narcissism's impact on emotional exhaustion in educators.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Teacher burnout is a significant issue impacting educators' well-being and effectiveness.
- The Dark Triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) are linked to various workplace behaviors and outcomes.
- Understanding the interplay between personality traits and burnout is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between the Dark Triad traits and the three dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, reduced professional efficacy) in high school teachers.
- To investigate the specific influence of individual Dark Triad components on burnout.
- To explore the moderating role of perceived stress in the Dark Triad-burnout relationship.
Main Methods:
- Survey methodology was employed with a sample of high school teachers.
- Standardized measures were used to assess Dark Triad traits (overall and specific components) and burnout dimensions.
- Statistical analyses, including regression and moderation analyses, were conducted to examine the relationships.
Main Results:
- Overall psychopathy positively predicted emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.
- Overall narcissism was associated with lower emotional exhaustion and higher professional efficacy.
- Specific components like antisocial behavior (psychopathy) and cynical worldview (Machiavellianism) predicted higher emotional exhaustion, while power (narcissism) predicted higher professional efficacy.
- Perceived stress moderated the effect of narcissism on emotional exhaustion, with higher stress exacerbating the protective effect of narcissism.
Conclusions:
- Psychopathy emerges as a risk factor for teacher burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.
- Narcissism, especially the 'power' component, may act as a protective factor against burnout, enhancing professional efficacy.
- Interventions should consider individual personality profiles and stress levels when addressing teacher burnout.
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