Factor Structure Of The Short Dark Triad (SD3) In Adolescents

Abstract

The factor structure of the Short Dark Triad or SD3 questionnaire was investigated using a sample of adolescents. The SD3 is a tim­­­e-efficient method designed for the assessment of three overlapping negative personality traits: Machiavellianism, subclinical narcissism, and subclinical psychopathy. Conceptually, the questionnaire is based on the idea that Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, while being relatively independent constructs, nonetheless have a common core and a similar manifestation in interpersonal relationships and exacerbate the negative influence of other Dark Triad traits. The questionnaire’s psychometric characteristics were obtained using a sample of adults. A detailed analysis of the questionnaire’s factor structure in adolescents is available only for a translated version of the questionnaire. Our study was conducted with 393 participants (average age 15.37, SD=1.17, 54% female). The participants completed 1) the Russian edition of the SD3, previously validated for adults, and 2) apersonality inventory (Short Portrait Big Five Questionnaire). When comparing the means, no significant differences were found between the younger (grades 8-9) and older (grades 10-11) groups. Ananalysis of the structure of the SD3 showed that 7 questionnaire items contribute simultaneously to different scales. 4 of these items are meant for diagnosing psychopathy. When analyzing the interrelations between Dark Triad traits, narcissism was not shown to have a significant correlation with Machiavellianism. When comparing the Dark Triad to the Big Five, no correlation was observed between narcissism and Agreeableness.