Dark Triad Personality and Conformity As Predictors of Psychological Well-Being in Adolescents Who Have Self-Harmed

Abstract

Adolescents who are unable to cope adaptively with the pressures of the transitional phase may experience negative emotions, which can lead to self-harm. Self-harm has been associated with low psychological well-being, including low self-esteem, high stress, and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to examine the predictive role of dark triad personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and conformity on psychological well-being in adolescents with a history of self-harm. A quantitative research design with multiple linear regression analysis was employed. The study included 134 adolescents in Indonesia, aged 11–21 years, who had ceased engaging in self-harm. Participants were selected using an accidental sampling technique. Data were collected using the Short Dark Triad Scale, the Conformity Scale, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale. The results indicated an F value of 18.572 with p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), supporting the research hypothesis that dark triad personality traits and conformity significantly predict psychological well-being, accounting for 22% of the variance. Although dark triad traits are often perceived negatively, the findings suggest that they can function as adaptive mechanisms that support psychological well-being. Conformity, in turn, provides social stability that enhances adolescents’ social support.

Keywords

• Adolescents
• Conformity
• Dark triad
• Psychological well-being
• Self-harm

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