Date of Award
Spring 5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department/Program
Forensic Mental Health Counseling
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
William H. Gottdiener
Second Reader
Preeti Chauhan
Third Advisor
Diana Falkenbach
Abstract
Literature suggested Dark Triad traits, comprised of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, are linked to adverse childhood environment and maladaptive coping that contribute to negative mental health outcomes, but Richardson and Boag's study (Richardson & Boag, 2016) was one of the few studies that first found Dark Triad traits are associated with immature defenses and higher perceived stress simultaneously. This replicated study aims to verify the original findings of their research by examining how defense mechanisms moderate the relationship between Dark Triad traits and perceived stress. A sample of 199 participants completed self-report measures assessing the Dark Triad traits, defense styles, and perceived stress. Differing from the initial findings, results from correlational and hierarchical regression analyses showed mixed results; individuals who scored high in vulnerable narcissism and Disinhibition from psychopathy reported significantly higher use of immature defenses and higher stress, while Agency from Machiavellianism and Boldness from psychopathy narcissism were positively associated with mature defenses and lower stress. Early trauma was correlated with higher stress and immature defense and serves as a predictor of stress outcome. Moreover, those who had spent time in prison scored significantly higher in Dark Triad traits, particularly Disinhibition and the total psychopathy score. These findings suggest the crucial role of both defense mechanisms and early trauma history in shaping the stress perception of individuals with high Dark Triad traits. Possible clinical implications, study limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Cheng, Ngayin, "Moderating Effects of Defense Mechanisms on the Link Between Dark Triad Traits and Stress: A Replication with Addition of Early Trauma" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/379
