Dark Triad Personality Traits Impulsivity and Aggression in Adolescents

                                                                                            Abstract Background. Study explored the dark triad traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism) predictive relationship with aggression and impulsivity in school going children. Method. In a cross-sectional design with a purposive sample of 200 school-going boys and 200 girls (N= 400), 8th -10th grade, age range of 14-17 years were conveniently taken from government and private schools. We used Dark Triad of Personality (D3- Short, Jones & Paulhus, 2014), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11, Stanford et al., 2009), and Aggression Questionnaire (AQ, Buss & Perry, 1992). Results. Results revealed dark traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism) significantly and positively associated with impulsiveness (Motor Impulsiveness, Non-planning impulsiveness and Attentional impulsiveness) and aggression (Verbal Aggression, Physical Aggression, Anger and Hostility). Boys expressed higher average levels of dark traits, impulsiveness and aggression than girls; and dark traits and gender predicted impulsiveness (44%) and aggression (35%). Conclusion. The study has significant implications especially in educational and school settings. Keywords. Dark Triad Personality Traits, Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, impulsivity, aggression