The Dark triad, sensation-seeking and impulsivity in young South African adults

Abstract

While the Dark Triad traits have been widely researched, such studies have often found conflicting results and generally lack South African context. With risky behaviour being prominent in South Africa, this study investigates the relationship between the Dark Triad traits, impulsivity and sensation-seeking behaviours. A survey was completed by 204 young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 (mean age = 24.40; SD = 5.07). The study followed a quantitative research methodology with a cross-sectional design. Gender differences among the Dark Triad traits were also considered. An interrelationship analysis between the Dark Triad personalities (individually and as a composite), impulsivity and sensation-seeking was estimated. Additionally, a regression analysis was conducted to examine the predicted association between impulsivity, sensation-seeking and the Dark Triad personality traits and found that the Dark Triad traits were related to sensation-seeking and impulsivity at a bivariate level. While, impulsivity was predicted by all the three Dark Triad traits, sensation-seeking was only predicted by Machiavellianism. This study also discusses the recommendations for future studies as well as the limitations of the current study.