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The role of psychological capital in the development of the dark and light triad of personality traits in university students. Education & Pedagogy Journal. 2024;2(10):36-52. DOI:

This study examines the relationship between psychological capital and traits associated with the dark and light triad of personality. In particular, it aims to determine how the parameters of psychological capital – self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and stability – interact with traits of the dark triad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and the light triad (humanism, Kantianism, and faith in humanity). Empirical tests were used to investigate the hypothesis about these parameters’ interrelationships and mutual influence. The study included 103 students of the Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology of the Cherepovets State University aged between 17 and 22 (average age 18.3 years). The diagnostic tools used in the study included special questionnaires to assess traits related to the dark and light personality triad and psychological capital. Data analysis involved the use of correlation and regression analysis techniques for mathematical processing. It was found that of the dark triad traits, only narcissism, which is positively correlated with self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and stability, is positively correlated with psychological capital and some of its parameters. The two factors of psychological capital that have the greatest influence on the characteristics of narcissism are self-efficacy and optimism. Narcissism, on the other hand, only affects optimism. With regard to the characteristics of the light triad, it was found that optimism, self-efficacy, and resilience are positively correlated with faith in humanity, while optimism is positively correlated with humanism. The regression analysis revealed that optimism, faith in humanity, and humanism are not only interrelated but also influence each other. Specifically, optimism is a predictor of faith in humanity and humanism, while faith in humanity and humanism predicts optimism as an attitude toward life. These findings contribute to understanding the interplay and mutual influence of holistic personality traits. They have practical implications for counselors of student groups and university psychological services.

Keywords: dark triad, light triad, psychological capital, students