Dark Triad VS Light Triad Personality: A Comparative Study of Depression and Happiness

Abstract

This paper aims to explore Two contrasting traits (DARK TRIAD —Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), (LIGHT TRIAD - Kantianism, Humanism, and Faith in humanity) and their correlation with depression and happiness. (n=200) equal amount males and females of age group 18-25 years of young adults. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising The Dirty Dozen, The Short light Triad, Beck’s Depression Inventory, and Subjective Happiness Scale. Analyses corroborate that Dark Triad traits where a positive correlation was found between psychopathy and happiness; narcissism was found to have a positive correlation with depression. From the Light Triad, a positive correlation was found between faith in humanity, humanism, and happiness. A negative correlation was found between Kantianism and depression. Other than these, no other significant correlations were found. Our findings have implications for a deeper understanding of the dark and light personality traits that drive our happiness and depression.