The Mediating Role of Dark Triad Personality and Moderating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Malevolent Creativity among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Malevolent creativity in students adversely affects their ability to form successful peer and adult relationships, increases the risk of social rejection and a heightened probability of academic failure. Therefore, understanding the factors contributing to malevolent creativity is of considerable social importance. This study aimed to assess the influence and pathway of childhood trauma on malevolent creativity among university students. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design utilizing quantitative method. The sample consisted of 200 university students, aged 18-29 years, encompassing both male and female participants, who were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized self-report instruments, including the Short Dark Triad (SD3), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire- Short Form (CTQ-SF), Malevolent Creativity Behavior Scale, and short version of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF). Results: The findings indicated a significant correlation between childhood trauma, the Dark Triad personality traits, self-compassion, and malevolent creativity among university students. Additionally, specific Dark Triad traits, including Machiavellianism and psychopathy, were identified as significant partial mediators of this relationship, whereas Narcissism did not demonstrate a significant mediating effect. Furthermore, self-compassion has emerged as a protective factor in mitigating the influence of childhood trauma on malevolent creativity. Conclusions: The study revealed that students reporting exposure to childhood traumatic events were more likely to endorse symptoms of malevolent creativity. Enhancing students’ self-compassion could serve as a beneficial intervention for individuals who have experienced childhood maltreatment.