The Relationship Between Dark Triad and Ostracism: The Mediating Role of Humility

Abstract

Ostracism and social exclusion are the two close phenomena that describe being ignored by others without explicit declaration and being kept away from others with or without an explanation, respectively. It is possible that ostracism and social exclusion are the concepts related to personality. Connectedly, dark triad (narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism) and humility may influence one’s perceived ostracism or perceived social exclusion. The aim of the current study is to examine the mediating role of humility in the relationship between dark triad traits and perceived ostracism and social exclusion. The sample consists of 329 university students. Data was gathered by using the Ostracism Experience Scale, the Humility Scale and the Short Dark Triad Scale. The results demonstrate that dark triad is positively related to perceived ostracism, and this relationship was fully mediated by humility. Similarly, dark triad traits were positively related to social exclusion and this association is fully mediated by humility, as well. Humility might be said to contribute as a mediator between the dark triad and perceived ostracism and social exclusion by mitigating the detrimental impact of these characteristics on ostracism. The negative consequences of the dark triad and ostracism could be reduced by encouraging humility. The results are discussed in the light of the literature.