Dark triad personality traits, bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents in Ecuador: a psychological network analysis

Purpose This study aims to examine the connections linking Dark Triad Personality (DTP) traits, bullying and cyberbullying (CB) through psychological network analysis in a sample of adolescents from Ecuador. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional descriptive design focused on associations and correlations was implemented using network analysis. Participants were 847 adolescents aged 16–19 years (M = 17.19, SD = 0.88); 55.8% identified as female and 44.2% identified as male. All were enrolled in a pre-university programme in Ambato and had completed their secondary education in institutions located in the provinces of Tungurahua and Cotopaxi. Findings DTP, bullying and CB formed a dense, precise and stable network comprising 29 nodes and 62 edges, within which the three theoretical communities were clearly distinguished. The network exhibited “small-world” properties that enhance rapid and efficient activation and transmission of symptom-like patterns, suggesting co-occurrence across constructs. Originality/value DTP, bullying and CB constitute an interconnected symptom-like ecosystem that contributes to in-person and online perpetration among adolescents in Ecuador.