DARK TRIAD PERSONALITY TRAITS, COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS AND DEPRESSION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

The present study explore the association between dark triad traits, mediating role of cognitive distortions and depression. Although previous researches also explore the dark triad traits with depression and very less studies with cognitive distortions, existing researches remain inconsistence, mixed and limited particularly among both western and non-western culture, young and non-clinical population. So more researches needed to better understand these relationship. This study was based on quantitative cross-sectional research design. A total (N=300) young adults between ages of 19 to 28 (M=1.30; SD=0.46) took part in this study. Bothe male (n=152; 50.7) percent and female (N=148; 49.3) percent individuals participate in this research. Three scale used for measurement Short Dark Triad scale (SD3), The Type of Thinking Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data was analyzed through statistical way such as descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and mediation. Results indicate that cognitive distortions are positively associated with depression but the mediation between dark triad personality traits, cognitive distortions and depression showed no association. Dark triad subscales analysis showed mix results, Machiavellianism showed negative association with depression and positive association with cognitive distortions. Psychopathy showed positive association with depression and negative association with cognitive Distortions. Narcissism show no association with depression and cognitive distortions. These findings show the importance of cognitive distortions in depression and emphasize on three traits of dark triad personality which show mix results with depression and cognitive distortions.