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

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, psychop...

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Main Authors: Yongzhi Jiang, Lifang Tong, Wenjiao Cao, Huizhe Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-11-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1487970/full
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author Yongzhi Jiang
Yongzhi Jiang
Lifang Tong
Wenjiao Cao
Wenjiao Cao
Huizhe Wang
author_facet Yongzhi Jiang
Yongzhi Jiang
Lifang Tong
Wenjiao Cao
Wenjiao Cao
Huizhe Wang
author_sort Yongzhi Jiang
collection DOAJ
description 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.
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spelling doaj-art-a2e4cc46a88a40f98ddc15ab41c4abdf2025-08-20T02:06:53ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782024-11-011510.3389/fpsyg.2024.14879701487970Dark Triad and relational aggression: the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution biasYongzhi Jiang0Yongzhi Jiang1Lifang Tong2Wenjiao Cao3Wenjiao Cao4Huizhe Wang5Inner Mongolia Minzu University, School of Educational Science, Tongliao, ChinaInner Mongolia Autonomous Region Student Bullying Prevention and Control Research Center, Tongliao, ChinaInner Mongolia Minzu University, School of Educational Science, Tongliao, ChinaInner Mongolia Minzu University, School of Educational Science, Tongliao, ChinaTongliao Vocational College, Tongliao, ChinaInner Mongolia Minzu University, School of Educational Science, Tongliao, ChinaIntroductionRelational 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.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1487970/fullDark TriadMachiavellianismpsychopathynarcissismrelational aggressionrelative deprivation
spellingShingle Yongzhi Jiang
Yongzhi Jiang
Lifang Tong
Wenjiao Cao
Wenjiao Cao
Huizhe Wang
Dark Triad and relational aggression: the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias
Frontiers in Psychology
Dark Triad
Machiavellianism
psychopathy
narcissism
relational aggression
relative deprivation
title Dark Triad and relational aggression: the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias
title_full Dark Triad and relational aggression: the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias
title_fullStr Dark Triad and relational aggression: the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias
title_full_unstemmed Dark Triad and relational aggression: the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias
title_short Dark Triad and relational aggression: the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias
title_sort dark triad and relational aggression the mediating role of relative deprivation and hostile attribution bias
topic Dark Triad
Machiavellianism
psychopathy
narcissism
relational aggression
relative deprivation
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1487970/full
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