Bridging the gap: A network approach to Dark Triad, Mental Toughness, the Big Five, and perceived stress

Abstract

Objective:We employed the network methodology to explore the connections be tween the Dark Triad (DT) traits with Mental Toughness (MT) and the degree to which they account for perceived stress beyond the Big Five (B5). Method: Network analyses were undertaken to explore connections between the DT, MT, and perceived stress, independently in two samples, and in the combined data set; and whether B5 factors are responsible for the connections that emerged in the original network. Results: DT and MT traits improved the prediction of perceived stress above the B5.Furthermore, narcissism occupied a strategic position in the network acting as a bridge between prosocial and "dark" sides of personality. The pattern of network connections could not be explained by B5 traits alone. Conclusions:The results suggest that there is more to personality than what can be captured by the B5 and that broadening the domain of personality beyond the B5 can improve the prediction of important outcomes, such as perceived stress. Narcissism is a unique trait and studying its connection with MT may be the key to moving for ward from a dichotomous way of perceiving personality traits, as beneficial or ma levolent, to focusing on a dynamic continuum of personality.

A Cross-Cultural Investigation of the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory Short Form: Narcissism as a Multidimensional Trait in the United Kingdom and Russia

“…The results have important implications for future work, offering researchers the opportunity to derive models assessing the aspects of narcissism that are responsible for important outcomes that span a number of domains, with a higher degree of sensitivity and specificity. Such models will aid the field's current attempts to replicate and validate cross-cultural findings on the relevance of narcissism for various life outcomes and its position within the Dark Triad and the wider spectrum of personality (Papageorgiou, Benini et al, 2019).…”

Conceptions of Happiness Mediate the Relationship Between the Dark Triad and Well-Being

“…Machiavellianism and psychopathy have been found to be negatively correlated with various aspects of subjective well-being, eudaimonic well-being, and mental toughness ( Egan et al, 2014 ; Aghababaei and Błachnio, 2015 ; Wang et al, 2018 ; Papageorgiou et al, 2019 ; Aminnuddin, 2020 ; Limone et al, 2020 ). Narcissism, however, has shown positive associations with well-being and mental toughness (e.g., Egan et al, 2014 ; Aghababaei and Błachnio, 2015 ; Zajenkowski and Czarna, 2015 ; Giacomin and Jordan, 2016 ; Papageorgiou et al, 2019 ; Aminnuddin, 2020 ). Not every previous study supports the conclusions that Machiavellianism and psychopathy are negatively and narcissism is positively associated with well-being.…”

Beneath the surface: The influence of music and the dark triad traits on stress and performance

“…Personality has also been evidenced to protect against the adverse effects of stress (Papageorgiou et al, 2019a). The Dark Triad (DT), a cluster of subclinical personality traits, consists of: psychopathy, characterized by high impulsivity, low empathy, and thrill-seeking behaviors; narcissism, characterized by a sense of entitlement, superiority, and selfconceit; and Machiavellianism, defined by deception and manipulation (Jones & Figueredo, 2013;Paulhus & Williams, 2002).…”

“…The influence of music and personality on stress and performance may vary when studied alongside other factors. For instance, narcissism has been evidenced to indirectly predict lower stress (Papageorgiou et al, 2019a) and reduce psychiatric symptoms, fostering adaptive tendencies that protect against psychopathology, through mental toughness (Papageorgiou et al, 2019b). Two factors that may influence both the efficacy of music listening interventions and the predictive value of personality traits regarding stress-related outcomes are music preferences and habitual music uses.…”