Dark childhood, dark personality: Relations between experiences of child abuse and dark tetrad traits

Abstract

Extensive literature connects the Dark personality traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism—with antisocial behaviours, but less is known about the origins of these traits. This study examines the relations between childhood abuse and Dark Tetrad traits. A cross-sectional retrospective research design was used involving a sample of 372 non-clinical adult participants who completed self-report measures assessing nonviolent and violent parental discipline tactics and the Dark Tetrad traits. Correlations showed that all parental discipline tactics were positively related to Dark Tetrad traits. Regression analyses revealed that psychological aggression uniquely and positively predicted psychopathy and sadism, while severe assault emerged as a unique positive predictor of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Nonviolent discipline and corporal punishment or minor assault did not make a significant contribution to any of the dark traits. In conclusion, these findings suggest a modest but significant role of an adverse childhood environment in shaping dark personality traits.