Light in the Dark: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Investigation of the Network of Dark Triad and Big Five Personality Traits, Resilience and Anxiety

Multivariate approaches are needed to gain a better understanding of positive and negative impact of Dark Triad traits within personality networks under different socio-cultural and personal conditions. In three independent studies in two countries (total N of participants = 4,700), we applied network analyses and structural equation modelling to investigate the network of personality (Dark Triad and Big Five), resilience and anxiety. The results confirmed, for the first time with longitudinal evidence, the pattern of indirect associations between the Dark Triad and anxiety through resilience/mental toughness. The findings also emphasized the importance of differentiating the three ‘dark traits’, as they showed different relations with other traits in the network. For example, narcissism was unique among the Dark Triad in that it predicted better mental health, whereas Machiavellianism and psychopathy were linked to poorer resilience and mental health. Narcissism was also the most influential node in the network of personality, resilience and anxiety. Considering the consistency of the effects across the samples, the results provide a promising avenue for research into malleability of personality networks and for developing educational and workplace interventions.