The role of dark triad traits, impulsivity, sensation seeking on risky decision making among a sample of adolescents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the role of role of dark triad, impulsivity and sensation seeking of risky decision making. The number of participants who took part in this study were 163, males 75 (46%) and females 88 (54%). The age of participants ranged between 14 to 18 years old. The self-report measure has been used to assess dark triad, impulsivity and sensation seeking, however, the behavioral task named Balloon Analog Risk Task has been used to measure risky decision making among participants. The results indicated that narcissism, psychopathy, sensation seeking and impulsivity positively associated with risky decision making. In addition impulsivity and sensation seeking mediate the relationship between psychopathy and risky decision making, and the similar result found for the association between narcissism and risky decision making. Regarding personality traits, the results found a significant gender differences. This study help researchers to understand the aetiology of risky decision making, particularly which personality traits more strongly predict risk decision making.