Harsh parenting in childhood linked to dark personality traits in adulthood, stu

[Chip (OP)]

https://www.psypost.org/harsh-parenting-in-childhood-linked-to-dark-personality-traits-in-adulthood-study-finds/

February 24, 2025

A recent study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences has a connection between the way parents discipline their children and the development of undesirable personality traits later in life. The findings indicate that experiencing harsh parenting, particularly psychological aggression and severe physical assault, during childhood is associated with a higher likelihood of exhibiting traits from the Dark Tetrad – a group of personality characteristics that include narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism – in adulthood.

The Dark Tetrad is a concept in psychology that brings together four distinct but related personality traits that are considered socially aversive. Narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration. Machiavellianism involves manipulation and exploitation of others for personal gain. Psychopathy is marked by a lack of empathy, impulsivity, and antisocial behavior. Sadism is the tendency to derive pleasure from inflicting pain or suffering on others. These traits, while existing on a spectrum in the general population, are often associated with negative interpersonal outcomes and can be detrimental to both individuals exhibiting them and those around them.

Prior research has established a connection between negative experiences in childhood and antisocial tendencies in adulthood. Scientists are working to understand the specific mechanisms that explain this link. One area of focus is the role of personality development. It is thought that early life experiences, particularly those within the family, can shape an individual’s personality in ways that either increase or decrease the likelihood of developing Dark Tetrad traits.

Some theories suggest that individuals growing up in harsh or unpredictable environments may develop certain personality traits as a way to adapt and survive. These adaptive strategies, while potentially helpful in challenging childhood contexts, might manifest as Dark Tetrad traits in adulthood. For example, manipulation and a focus on self-interest (Machiavellianism) could be seen as ways to navigate an unstable home life. Similarly, a lack of empathy and impulsivity (psychopathy) might develop as a response to consistent maltreatment.

While genetic factors are known to play a role in personality, environmental influences, especially parenting styles, are considered significant contributors to the development of these traits. The new study aimed to explore specifically how different types of parental discipline, ranging from non-violent methods to severe aggression, relate to the Dark Tetrad traits in adulthood.

“Our interest in this topic stems from the extensive literature linking childhood adversity to antisocial behaviors in adulthood,” said study author David Pineda, an assistant professor and director of the Forensic Psychology Unit at Miguel Hernández University of Elche.

“While many studies have explored how adverse experiences impact mental health and emotional regulation, fewer have focused on their role in shaping dark personality traits such as Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism. Understanding the early environmental factors that contribute to these traits provides valuable insight into personality development and may help inform interventions aimed at mitigating negative long-term outcomes.”

For their study, the researchers recruited 370 adult participants from Spain. The participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 80, were primarily recruited through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The majority of participants were women (nearly 74%), and a large portion were university students or graduates. Participants were asked to complete an online survey that included several questionnaires. To measure narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, the researchers used a shortened version of the Dark Triad scale.

This questionnaire contains statements like “People see me as a natural leader” (narcissism), “Most people can be manipulated” (Machiavellianism), and “People often say I’m out of control” (psychopathy). Participants rated how much they agreed with these statements on a scale from “totally disagree” to “totally agree.” Sadism was assessed using a separate questionnaire specifically designed to measure everyday sadism. This scale included items such as “I think about hurting people who irritate me,” which participants also rated on a similar agreement scale.

The study continues on the link ...

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