Psychometric Properties of the Light Triad Scale for the Argentine Population: The Role of Light Traits in the Prediction of Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

Research about positive personality traits has gained relevance in the last decades, with different theoretical models and assessment tools being developed worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Light Triad Scale (Kaufman et al., 2019) to be used in Argentina and to evaluate whether light traits significantly increment the prediction of total well-being and its three dimensions (emotional, social, and personal), beyond the variance explained by normal personality traits (Five Factor Model). Two general population samples were investigated: sample A, composed of 607 Argentine adults (Mage = 42.4, SD = 15.8), and sample B, composed of a subgroup of sample A, with 392 individuals (Mage = 39.2, SD = 13.8). For data collection, the following instruments were used: Light Triad Scale (LTS), Dark Triad Scale (DTS), Big Five Inventory (BFI), Five Continua Personality Inventory, Short Form (FCPI-SF), The Mental Health Continuum, Short Form (MHC-SF). Results: The three-dimensional structure of the LTS scale could be confirmed. In addition, evidence was obtained regarding the incremental validity of the LTS in the prediction of well-being (especially for the social well-being dimension). Conclusions: The analyses conducted provide evidence of validity and reliability of the LTS scale, which guarantees its use in Argentina.