Examining the Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support in the Association between Dark Quadrant Personality Traits and Delinquent Behaviors among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18502/jsbch.v10i1.23010Keywords:
Personality, Delinquency, Perceived Social SupportAbstract
Background: The relationships with family, society, and individual psychological conditions play an essential role in juvenile delinquency. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of perceived social support in the association between dark quartet personality traits and delinquency in adolescents.
Methods: The present study employed a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population consisted of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. From this population, 451 participants were selected through convenience sampling method as the study sample. Data were collected using the Dark Tetrad Personality Traits Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Delinquent Behavior Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was also used to examine the relationships between the study variables. Both the measurement model and the structural model were evaluated using path coefficients, factor loadings, and significance levels with LISREL 8.8 software.
Results: The findings indicated that Dark Tetrad traits had a significant positive direct effect on delinquency (β = 0.891, P < 0.05). Additionally, these traits showed a significant negative effect on perceived social support (β = –0.706, P < 0.05). However, the direct path from perceived social support to delinquency was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that Dark Tetrad personality traits play a more prominent role in explaining delinquency than perceived social support. In addition to directly increasing the likelihood of delinquent behaviors, these traits may also undermine interpersonal relationships and social support resources. These results highlight the importance of considering personality-related risk factors when designing prevention and intervention programs targeting delinquent behavior.
