Abstract

In 2020, financial markets around the globe sharply declined as the threat of Covid-19 became severe. The financial market reactions were precedented. Due to the unprecedented reaction, conversations arose describing the influences that impacted investor behavior. Among these influences are behavioral influences such as personality traits and financial risk tolerance. The following research evaluates the relationships between Covid-19, Dark Triad Personality Traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy), financial feelings, preference for consistency, long-term orientation, and the need to evaluate. A survey gauging individuals’ economic perception, personality traits, and risk behavior was distributed to 116 individuals. Quantitative analysis was done using t-tests to find significant differences between groups who exhibited high and low levels of any given personality trait. In addition to gauging significant differences in personality traits, the survey also gauged financial risk tolerance, financial feelings, and how investors perceive the threat of Covid-19. The study found that there are statistically significant relationships between Covid-19, Dark Triad Personality Traits, financial feelings, the need to evaluate, and preference for consistency. During a time of financial uncertainty such as Covid-19, individuals who exhibited higher levels of dark triad personality traits had lower financial feelings and a lesser preference for consistency. Individuals who displayed higher levels of dark triad personality traits also had a larger risk tolerance. Additionally, individuals who are more long-term oriented have more enhanced financial feelings. This research evaluated relationships to help better understand the relationships between Dark Triad Personality traits and risk among other factors.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-1-2023

Mentor

James Blair

Mentor Department Affiliation

Management, Marketing, and International Business

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Business

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

005237

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