Author: Shifa Abdul Majeed
Supervisor: Humaira Naz
Degree: BS
Year: 2013-2017
University: Centre for Clinical Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
Present study investigated relationship between Family
Functioning, Dark Triad Traits and Moral Disengagement in
Adolescents. It was hypothesized that there was likely to be
relationship between family functioning, dark triad traits and
moral disengagement. It was also hypothesized that there would
likely to be a predictive relationship between dark triad traits and
moral disengagement. The sample comprised of 135 adolescents
including boys= 76 and girls= 59 with (Mage= 16.64, SD= 1.83)
recruited from schools and colleges. The measures used were
Family Functioning Style Scale (Deal et al, 1988), Short SD3
(Jones & Paulhus, 2014) and The Moral Disengagement (Bandura
et al, 1995). Findings revealed a significant negative relationship
of interactional patterns and family commitment (domains of
family functioning) with moral disengagement and its
mechanisms. Dark triad traits (Machiavillism, Narcissm,
Psychopathy) had positive relationship with moral disengagement
and its mechanisms. Dark traits also emerged as strong positive
predictor of moral disengagement. The results depicted that with
tendency of dark personality traits, vulnerability increases to
accept immoral beliefs and also disengage morally. Adolescents
who have greater cynical regard for morality, grandiose sense of
self importance and lack of empathy express greater moral
disengagement. Research findings will help in arranging
educational programs to aware parents about healthy family
functioning characterized as open communication, family
commitment and values and emphasis on the development of
positive personality traits and moral engagement.
Keywords: Family Functioning, Dark Triad Traits, Moral Disengagement, Adolescents.
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