Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the Dark Tetrad and affective well-being, and whether dark comic styles are a mediator. A sample of college students (N = 863) completed the Short Dark Tetrad, the dark cluster of the Comic Style Markers (assessing irony, sarcasm, and cynicism), and measures of affective well-being (the Positive and Negative Affect Scale). The results revealed that high Dark Tetrad traits were positively associated with a higher tendency to dark comic styles. Sadism shows a robust relationship with sarcasm and is overall unrelated to positive affect. Sarcasm comprehensively mediates the relationship between each Dark Tetrad trait and negative affect in a positive association. Cynicism negatively mediates the relationship between psychopathy and positive affect. Consequently, dark comic styles impede twofold on the well-being of people with high psychopathy. The present study suggests that dark comic styles are closely related to Dark Tetrad and affective well-being, particularly linked to cynicism and sarcasm associated with positive and negative affect in the Dark Tetrad. The role of dark comic styles in the relationship between specific personality traits (e.g., dark traits) and well-being is worthy of further expansion.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 112538 |
Journal | Personality and Individual Differences |
Volume | 220 |
DOIs |
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Publication status | Published - 2024 Apr |
Keywords
- Dark comic styles
- Dark tetrad
- Negative affect
- Positive affect
- Well-being
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Psychology