DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF DARK TETRADE ON FLOURISHING AND PERCEIVED CONTROL

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to outline the direct and indirect effects of the Dark Tetrade (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism) on flourishing, perceived personal control (mastery, self-control, experienced environmental constraints, environmental mastery), general satisfaction and empathy. The research was conducted in the specific context of global crises - after the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing global crisis. The design was cross-sectional with a convenient sample of 191 respondents. The results highlighted the specific relations of the dark traits with flourishing, perceived control, and satisfaction that replicate previous research. Flourishing was predicted by perceived environmental mastery, satisfaction with self and relationships, and low psychopathy. The relationship of psychopathy and flourishing was mediated by the perceived environmental constraints. The general satisfaction effect was mediated by narcissism. Future in-depth research of the specificity of dark trait combinations and profiling for diagnostic, prognostic, and preventive insights for improved self-regulation is discussed.