Through a Dark Lens: A Longitudinal Study on Dark Triad Traits, Future Negative Insight, and Antisocial Attitudes

Life history framework underscores the importance of time perspective in studies on dark personality development and its outcomes. This study aims to examine the potential role of future negative insight between Dark Triad and antisocial attitudes through a temporal process. Data were collected from 245 participants (120 boys, 125 girls; mean age = 15.58, SD = 1.76) across three time points in a longitudinal design. Study 1 used structural equation modeling (SEM) with baseline data (T1) to examine the mediating role of future negative insight in the relationship between Dark Triad traits and antisocial attitudes. Study 2 employed a three-wave Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) to investigate the dynamic relationships among them. Study 1’s SEM analysis demonstrated that future negative insight significantly mediated the relationship between Dark Triad traits and antisocial attitudes. Study 2’s RI-CLPM revealed intricate cross-lagged associations among Dark Triad traits, future negative insight, and antisocial attitudes, underscoring their temporal dynamics and longitudinal interdependence. These findings highlight the motivational process and psychological developmental mechanisms underlying the link between dark personality traits and antisocial outcomes from a temporal perspective.