The Dark Triad and Psychological Resilience: The Moderating Effect of Locus of Control

Abstract: The relationship between the Dark Triad and psychological resilience is understudied and literature on the subject is insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the association between the Dark Triad and psychological resilience, and the possibility of locus of control acting as a moderator of this relationship. The Dark Triad was investigated both as a single construct, as well as the triad traits (Narcissism, Machiavellianism and Psychopathy) individually. An electronic survey consisting of the study variables and a total of 81 items was distributed to students from Lund and Malmö University (N = 57). The results showed significant associations between the Dark Triad as a whole, narcissism and psychological resilience. Further, Locus of control was found to moderate the relationship between the Dark Triad and resilience, as well as Machiavellianism and resilience. Narcissism was the only construct in the Dark Triad that predicted resilience regardless of Locus of control. Psychopathy had no association with resilience. In conclusion, all traits had unique associations to Locus of control and resilience. Larger samples and equal gender distributions are needed for more certain conclusions regarding these relationships. Finally, since all three Dark Triad traits had unique associations to Locus of control and resilience, future research could explore the mechanisms and factors that underlie these differences.