The Influence of the Dark Tetrad Personality

Traits on Cyberbullying Behavior

Katelyn Hark

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Gayle Dow, Department of Psychology

Abstract

PANDEMIC 2020: With the suddenly thrust into the world of online education, bullying behavior has not stopped. Victims now find bullies in their in their digital classrooms, at their graduations, in their private homes, in their living rooms, in their bedrooms. While educators acknowledge this is a growing problem, there is little research into the causes and motivations of cyberbullying. Malevolent personality factors, such as the Dark Tetrad, which includes narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellism, and sadism, could be one cause of cyberbullying. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among the Dark Tetrad, cyberbullying behavior, and victimization. Two hundred twenty-seven participants completed assessments on Paulhus’ (2002) Dark Triad, DelRay (2015) European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire. A univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated the findings were significant be F(1,205)= 4.25, np2= 0.02, power=0.53, p=.044. Sadists perpetrated cyberbullying than all others. It is believed this is due to their not only their lack of empathy but their enjoyment in hurting others. Implications and limitations will be discussed.

Katelyn Hark is from Richmond, Virginia and is a senior at Christopher Newport University. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and minoring in Leadership Studies and U.S. National Security Studies. During her time at Christopher Newport, she is a part of the President’s Leadership Program, Women’s Club Lacrosse Team, and Phi Mu Fraternity, where she serves on the chapter’s executive board as Secretary. Her research with Dr. Dow primarily focuses on malevolent personality traits, such as the Dark Tetrad.