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Dark Triad and relational aggression: the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias

Dark Triad and relational aggression: the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias

Authors :
Yongzhi Jiang
Lifang Tong
Wenjiao Cao
Huizhe Wang
Source :
Frontiers in Psychology, Vol 15 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

IntroductionRelational aggression, as a distinct form of aggressive behavior in social relationships, is associated with various physiological and psychological disorders. Although previous research has provided theoretical support for the connection between the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism) and relational aggression, the mediating factors between the two still require in-depth exploration. This study employed a cross-sectional research method to examine the mediating roles of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias between the Dark Triad and relational aggression.MethodThis research employed the Dark Triad scale, the relational aggression scale, the relative deprivation scale, and the hostile attribution bias scale to conduct a self-reported questionnaire survey involving 1,968 students from two universities in China.ResultsThe Dark Triad traits significantly predicted relational aggression. The mediating role of relative deprivation was significant in the relationship between these traits and relational aggression. Hostile attribution bias mediated the relationship between Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and relational aggression, but not between narcissism and relational aggression. Additionally, the serial mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias was significant between the Dark Triad traits and relational aggression.DiscussionThis study not only verified the relationship between the Dark Triad and relational aggression but also identified mediating factors providing new useful information for effectively explaining and intervening in malignant interpersonal relationships.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16641078
Volume :
15
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Psychology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.2e4cc46a88a40f98ddc15ab41c4abdf
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1487970