The role of immature defense mechanisms on dark of triad personality

Abstract

Introduction: Some personality traits and characteristics are "subclinical threshold" that their intensity in an individual is not as much as clinical personality disorders but they can cause various abnormalities. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship and role of immature defense mechanisms in predicting the dark triad personality traits. Method: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on the population of individuals referring to vaccination centers in Sanandaj city in 2020-2021. Out of these individuals, 282 were selected as the sample population. The research instruments were the Andrews' Defense Styles Questionnaire (1993) and Paulhus's Short Dark Tetrad (2021). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, structural equation modeling, and stepwise regression analysis with SPSS version 23 and Amos version 26 software. Results: The results showed a significant relationship between immature defense mechanisms and the dark triad personality traits (P≤0.05). Moreover, the structural model results showed that immature defense mechanisms explained 81% of the dark traits. According to the regression results, splitting (β=0.271, P≤0.01), denial (β=0.168, P≤0.01), and omnipotence (β=0.142, P≤0.05) were better predictors of dark triad personality traits than other defense mechanisms. Conclusion: The use of immature defense mechanisms can predict dark personality traits. By recognizing the impact of defense mechanisms on personality traits and emphasizing psychological training and helping them become self-aware, it can be expected that dark personality traits will also decrease.