The relationship between age, gender and the dark triad of personality

Abstract

Background: Dark triad refers to a set of traits that include the tendency to seek admiration and special treatment (otherwise known as Narcissism), to be callous and insensitive (Psychopathy) and to manipulate others (Machiavellianism). The purpose of this study was to study the difference in dark triad amongst individuals with different age groups and gender. Methods: Convenient sampling was used to collect the data. A total of 90 participants (44 males and 46 females) participated in the study with consent. The respondents belonged to three age groups: early adulthood (20-34), midlife (35-49) and mature adulthood (50-64). A 27-item version of The Short Dark Triad (SD3) was used for the assessment of dark triad. Results: Descriptive statistics, t-test and one way ANOVA was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that there is no significant difference in Narcissism and Machiavellianism between males and females however there is a significant difference in Psychopathy between males and females. Also, the F value indicate that there is a significant difference in the three personality traits in reference to different age groups. Post hoc analysis indicates a significant difference in psychopathic behavior between 20-35yrs (early adulthood) and 36-49 (mid life adulthood) age groups and between 20-35yrs and 50-64yrs (mature adulthood) age groups. However there is no significant difference in psychopathic behavior between 3649yrs and 50-64yrs age group. Conclusion: Males score higher on psychological tendencies as compared to females. Secondly, psychopathic tendencies are more in participants who are in early adulthood (20-34) than people in midlife (35-49) and mature adulthood (50-64).