Abstract

In times of growing concern for the future of humanity, levels of overall activism are increasing. Thus, it is important to determine the personality types drawn to engage in either peaceful or violent forms of activism. Previous studies have focused on the Dark Triad traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism) and the Big Five personality traits as variables influencing the amount, and type (i.e., peaceful vs. violent), of participation in activism, overlooking the influence of sadism. The current study aimed to expand on existing literature through a conceptual replication of Zacher (2024), who found that the Dark Triad traits and left-wing authoritarianism significantly predicted engagement in activism. In the present study, using the Dark Tetrad (i.e., Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, sadism) and left-wing authoritarianism (i.e., anti-hierarchical aggression, top-down censorship, anti-conventionalism) traits as predictor variables, data gathered from 229 undergrad students at Eastern Kentucky University showed a positive association between narcissism, Machiavellianism, anti-hierarchical aggression, and anti-conventionalism with engagement in activism. Results also showed a negative relationship between psychopathy and engagement in activism. The testing of the final hypothesis showed a positive correlation between psychopathy and sadism with support for violent protest. Findings from this study suggest that while the two Dark Tetrad traits of psychopathy and sadism promote the violent nature of protesters high in these traits, there can be a bright side to these otherwise dark personality traits.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-2025

Mentor

Cassie Whitt

Mentor Department Affiliation

Psychology

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Psychology

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

6219

Presentation

https://1drv.ms/f/c/5a602b9853de6540/EkBl3lOYK2AggFpxAAAAAAAB7dnJ6r0ktR_D06ez3ymMhg?e=nUnzBB

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