Dark triad, self-concept, and moral disengagement in young adults
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UMT, Lahore
Abstract
This study aims to find out the correlation between dark triad, self-concept, and moral disengagement. For this purpose, a sample of 300 young adults aged 18-26 was selected through a purposive sampling technique. The participants from joint and nuclear family systems were included in this study. The measures, including the Short Dark Triad, the Self-concept Questionnaire, and the Moral Disengagement Scale, were used in this study. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between the dark triad and moral disengagement. It suggests that individuals who exhibit higher levels of socially aversive personality traits such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy are more likely to engage in mechanisms of moral disengagement, such as justifying or minimizing unethical behavior. However, self- concept and moral disengagement showed a negative correlation, as the individuals with a lower perception of self-worth or personal identity are slightly more prone to disengage morally. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that demographic variables (gender, family system, occupation, marital status, birth order, and education) explained a small portion of variance in self-concept, with gender and marital status emerging as significant predictors. When psychological factors were added, moral disengagement was found to be a significant negative predictor of self-concept, whereas dark triad traits showed no significant effect. This study will seek to fill the gaps that are still present in existing literature.