Dark Triad traits, engagement with learning, and perceptions of employability in undergraduate students

Abstract

Whilst student engagement with learning has been consistently linked to positive academic outcomes, there has been an increasing focus among higher education institutions on the importance of producing employable graduates. This study investigated whether individual differences in socially aversive personality traits predict different types of student engagement, students’ understanding of employability or their attitudes towards this construct. Ninety-four undergraduate students completed the Short Dark Triad and questionnaires measuring engagement, understanding of employability and attitudes towards employability. Regression analyses revealed that narcissism positively predicts general and emotional engagement, whilst psychopathy negatively predicts general engagement. Narcissism positively predicts, and Machiavellianism negatively predicts, attitudes towards employability. Although no Dark Triad traits predicted understanding of employability, students who were highly engaged tended to better understand the concept. These findings can aid university educators by informing more individualised approaches to encouraging engagement and fostering employable skills and attributes in university students. The results are also discussed in the context of employability in higher education, with recommendations for improving student engagement and graduate employability outcomes.