The Relationship Between Animal Abuse and Aggressive Types of Behaviour According to the Dark Tetrad of Personality traits

The present study examines the relationship between animal abuse and types of aggressive behaviour and the moderating role of the Dark Tetrad personality traits (Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy, Sadism) in this relationship. 200 participants participated in the study, which completed three standardised assessment measures for animal abuse, aggression and Dark Tetrad personalities. The correlation studies showed a high positive correlation between animal abuse and aggressive behaviours where effect sizes showed predictive validity, physical aggression (r= 0.807), verbal aggression (r= 0.787), anger (r= 0.770) and hostility (r= 0.813). Narcissism served as a significant factor that strengthened the link between animal abuse and hostility according to moderation analysis yet its effects were not substantial for other aggressive behaviours. Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Sadism also did not show significant moderation effects on any aggressive behaviour. The research data supports past investigations which demonstrate animal mistreatment functions as a general predictor of physical violence yet demonstrates intricate connections between personality traits. The study contains important limitations because it depends on participant self-reporting and features specific design characteristics and restricted cultural and age demographics. Future research with expanding culturally and age ranges in the sample, using longitudinal approaches, is recommended. The research outcomes suggest that interventions must address empathy training while focusing on specific social education concerning abuse reduction. Keywords: Animal abuse, Physical aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, Hostility, Dark Tetrad