Dark Triad, Conspiracy Beliefs and Political Mobilization among Young Adults

Abstract

The present study aims to understand the association between Dark Triad traits (Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy), Conspiracy Beliefs, and Political Mobilization (Activism and Radicalism) in young adults. Data was gathered from young adults in the Islamabad/Rawalpindi region, mostly from university students. A sample of 309 was collected from individuals aged 18-35 years, using convenient sampling technique. For the measurement of study variables, the Short Dark Triad, Conspiracy Mentality Scale, and the Activism/Radicalism Intention Scale were used, respectively. Political Mobilization, Activism and Radicalism were positively predicted by Dark Triad traits. While Machiavellianism did not affect either aspect of Political Mobilization, and Psychopathy only positively predicted radicalism, Narcissism was a significant positive predictor of Activism and the frequency of political discussion. Conspiracy Beliefs were found to be positively associated with Activism, and negatively with Radicalism. Higher interest in politics was accompanied by higher levels of Activism and Radicalism. While no gender differences were found in those with Dark Triad traits and Political Mobilization, there were differences between participants with elected family members and those without. The former is more likely to be at the radical end of Political Mobilization.