Dark Triad traits, recalled and current quality of the parent-child relationship: A non-western replication and extension

Abstract

Most of the existing evidence regarding the adverse effect of poor parenting on the development of Dark Triad traits comes from Western industrialized samples. In the present study, we replicate and extend these findings using a Muslim (i.e., non-WEIRD) sample. Our findings mirrored those of previous studies by revealing that Dark Triad traits were significantly associated with an insecure attachment style and low parental care. Beyond replicating these previous findings, we found that these dysfunctional parent–child bonds may continue at least to early adulthood, with the relationship between Dark Triad individuals and their parents being marked by greater conflict. Individuals with higher Machiavellianism reported having the worst quality of current relationship with their parents—relationships characterized by greater conflict and lower depth. These findings contribute to the literature by providing cross-cultural support for the potential mechanisms that influence the development of the Dark Triad traits and by adding new knowledge about the dysfunctional pattern of relationship with parents that may last into adulthood.