Dark Tetrad Personality Traits and Criminogenic Cognitions: Peer Delinquency as a Mediator in Destitute Adolescents

Abstract Background Pakistan, characterized by its vast population and increasing stark socio-economic discrepancies, is witnessing a surge in juvenile delinquency, fuelled by rising urban poverty and crime. Despite the growing concerns, existing literature on the Dark Tetrad traits and peer delinquency’s influence on criminogenic cognitions among destitute adolescents is scarce. The existing studies tend to address personality traits, juvenile delinquency or peer influence in isolation and are rarely specific to destitute populations. Similarly, they are more concentrated on general youth or western contexts, overlooking the cultural nuances. Therefore, this study is essential in providing insights for localized risk factors, targeted prevention and rehabilitation strategies in a high-risk yet understudied population. Methods The present study was cross-sectional research conducted on 109 destitute adolescents from May to December 2024. The participants were selected via non-probability purposive sampling. This research used Short Dark Tetrad 4, Criminogenic Cognitions Scale and Peer Delinquency Scale. The collected data was then analysed using descriptive tests, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and Mediation Analysis. Results The results showed that the relationship between dark tetrad traits and criminogenic cognitions was mediated by peer delinquency, indicating that increase in Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism traits tend to increase peer delinquency. While increase in peer delinquency in-turn increases criminogenic cognitions in adolescents. Conclusion According to the results, peer delinquency serves as a key mediator through which dark tetrad traits contribute to the development of criminogenic cognitions. Therefore, the need for targeted interventions is significant in vulnerable youth populations.