The Mediating Role of the Dark Triad in the Relationship Between Childhood Emotional Abuse and Hostile Behavior in Adulthood

Gharibi, Leila; Amini, Naser

doi:10.22034/rip.2025.524293.1103

The Mediating Role of the Dark Triad in the Relationship Between Childhood Emotional Abuse and Hostile Behavior in Adulthood

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Leila Gharibi ¹

Naser Amini ²

¹ MSc. in Clinical Psychology, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran

10.22034/rip.2025.524293.1103

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the mediating role of the Dark Triad in the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and hostile behavior in adulthood. Using a correlational design, 280 employees of the Iranian Oil Terminals Company were selected through convenience sampling in the year 2025. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD) scale, and the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Path analysis indicated that the proposed model demonstrated good fit. The results showed that the direct effects of childhood emotional abuse on hostile behavior and Dark Triad were significant. Additionally, the direct effects of each Dark Triad on hostile behavior were also significant (P<0.05). The Dark Triad played a mediating role in the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and hostile behavior (P<0.05). Based on these findings, it can be inferred that childhood emotional abuse contributes to hostile behavior in adulthood both directly and indirectly through the influence of Dark Triad.

Keywords

aggression

childhood trauma

Dark Triad

Subjects