The Relationship Between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Athletes: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion

Kalami Fard, Omid; Pooraghaei Ardakani, Zahra; Mohammadi, Jalal; Yamani Ardakani, Hanieh

doi:10.22089/spsyj.2025.17447.2525

The Relationship Between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Athletes: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original research

Authors

omid kalami fard ¹

Zahra Pooraghaei Ardakani ²

Jalal Mohammadi ³

Hanieh Yamani Ardakani ⁴

¹ Allameh Tabataba University of Tehran,

² Allameh Tabataba&rsquo;i University

³ I dont have

⁴ Allameh Tabatiai University of Tehran

10.22089/spsyj.2025.17447.2525

Abstract

Abstract
This study examines the relationship between dark triad personality traits and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in competitive athletes, with a focus on the mediating role of self-compassion. The research employs a descriptive, correlational design, using structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the relationships. The study population consisted of athletes from both team and individual sports, with 300 participants selected based on Cochran's formula. Data were gathered using standardized questionnaires assessing the dark triad personality traits and the Self-Compassion Scale, both validated in previous and current studies for reliability. Findings indicated significant relationships across various paths: self-compassion with adaptive cognitive strategies (p = 0.05); self-compassion with maladaptive cognitive strategies (p = 0.05); dark triad traits with self-compassion (p = 0.05); dark triad traits with adaptive cognitive strategies (p = 0.004); and dark triad traits with maladaptive cognitive strategies (p = 0.05). Overall, the results suggest that self-compassion significantly mediates the relationship between dark triad personality traits and cognitive emotion regulation strategies among athletes. Enhancing the mental well-being of competitive athletes has the potential to improve their performance. Thus, these findings can serve as a framework for developing effective programs to support the success of athletes.

Keywords

Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies

Dark Triad Personality Traits

Competitive Athletes

Self-Compassion

Main Subjects