A Comparative Study of Dark Triad Traits in University Students In Tamil Nadu from Different Academic Disciplines

Abstract

The Dark Triad of personality comprising Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy represents socially aversive traits characterized by manipulation, self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and impulsivity. These traits have received growing attention in psychological research due to their influence on interpersonal relationships, decision-making, and behavioral outcomes, particularly among young adults in competitive environments such as universities. The present study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of Dark Triad traits among university students in Tamil Nadu across different academic disciplines, including arts and science, commerce and management, engineering and technology, and medicine. Using a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data are collected from 411 undergraduate and postgraduate students through a standardized psychological instrument such as the Short Dark Triad (SD3) scale using random sampling method. Statistical techniques including descriptive statistics, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), are employed to examine differences in Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy across academic streams. The study seeks to identify whether certain disciplines are associated with higher or lower levels of these traits and to explore patterns related to academic environments and competition. The findings are expected to contribute to the fields of personality and educational psychology by providing insights into the relationship between academic discipline and the expression of socially aversive personality traits among university students in Tamil Nadu, while also offering implications for student counseling, ethical development, and mental well-being initiatives within higher education institutions.