The mediating role of dark triad personality traits in the effect of childhood traumas on criminal tendencies

The aim of the study is to examine the mediating role of the dark triad personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) in the effect of childhood traumas on criminal tendencies. In line with these objectives, 400 adult participants were reached. The study has a correlational survey model. Data collection tools included the Demographic Information Form; Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ); Criminal Thinking Scale (CTS); and Dark Triad Scale (DTS). SPSS 27 software was used for data analysis, including correlation analyses, regression analyses using the process macro v.5, t tests, ANOVA, and Mann Whitney U analyses. The results of the study revealed significant correlations between all main variables except psychopathy. The direct and total effect of childhood traumas on criminal tendency and the direct and indirect effect of Machiavellianism and narcissism on criminal tendency were found to be significant. Psychopathy did not play a mediating role. It was determined that narcissism differed according to gender and convicted of a criminal offense. Criminal tendency differed according to convicted of a criminal offense, and childhood traumas, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy differed according to educational status. The research findings were discussed in light of the literature, and recommendations for the future were provided.