The Potential Roles of Social Ostracism and Loneliness in the Development of Dark Triad Traits in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Objective

While most existing research on the Dark Triad focuses on the outcomes associated with these traits, studies examining their development are relatively limited. Although genetic perspectives are popular in explaining the origins of DT traits, external environments and personal experiences may also have a potential impact on their development. Therefore, this study aims to investigate this process between social ostracism and DT traits, as well as the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship.

Method

Data were collected from 294 adolescents (168 boys, 126 girls) aged 15–18 years (M = 16.02, SD = 0.54), with 6-month intervals between T1 and T2, and 8 months between T2 and T3. Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models (RI-CLPM, analytical sample = 230) were used to examine the longitudinal relationships between social ostracism, loneliness, and Dark Triad traits.

Results

The Results Showed a Unidirectional Cross-Lagged Relationship From Social Ostracism (T1) to Dark Triad Traits (T3), with Loneliness at T2 Acting as a Potential Mediator in This Process.

Conclusions

These findings imply that early social ostracism may lead to loneliness, which in turn fosters the development of traits like those in the Dark Triad, as individuals may adopt these traits as coping mechanisms in response to prolonged social stress and vulnerability.