Examining the link between dark triad traits, impulsiveness, and procrastination behaviour in college students
Authors
Sargent, Rachel
Issue Date
2019
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
A study was conducted to examine the link between the Dark Triad Traits, impulsivity, and procrastination in college students, and to explore gender differences among the Dark Triad traits. Data was collected via a quantitative survey comprised of some demographic questions and 3 psychological scales; the Dark Triad of Personality (D3-Short) measurement (Jones & Paulhus, 2014), the Short Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (Spinella, 2007), and the Irrational procrastination scale (Steel, 2010). The results showed that there was a significant difference in the prevalence of Dark Triad traits amongst genders, and identified psychopathy as a predictor of impulsivity. The analyses also found a significant relationship between impulsivity and procrastination. It was proposed that the Dark Triad traits are predictors of procrastination, however neither psychopathy, machiavellianism, or narcissism were identified as predictors of procrastination. The findings of this study could be applied in interventions for targeting maladaptive procrastination behaviours.