Dark Triad traits, alexithymia, and emotion regulation as predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress in clinical and non-clinical samples

Machiavellianism was uniquely associated with higher anxiety and stress, and narcissism with greater perceived stress, psychopathy showed no unique links. Difficulties appraising positive affect (PDAF) accounted for additional variance in all measures of psychopathology. These associations suggest that anxiety-management strategies may suit those high in Machiavellianism, stress-reduction approaches those high in narcissism, and positive-affect training could benefit all by targeting PDAF. Longitudinal studies should confirm these links and evaluate combined trait- and emotion-based interventions.