Gender-Specific Pathways from Dark Triad Traits to Suicidal Ideation: A Prospective Test of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

This prospective longitudinal study examined associations between Dark Triad traits and suicidal ideation through interpersonal pathways among Chinese university students (<i>N</i> = 2,018 across three waves), guided by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS). Analyses revealed distinct patterns: Machiavellianism showed positive associations with suicidal ideation through thwarted belongingness, while psychopathy was positively linked to suicidal ideation via both thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. Narcissism demonstrated negative associations with suicidal ideation through reduced thwarted belongingness. Gender differences emerged prominently, with perceived burdensomeness serving as a more salient pathway between psychopathy and suicidal ideation for women, whereas thwarted belongingness was more strongly associated with Machiavellianism and narcissism for men. These findings, observed in a collectivistic cultural context, extend the ITS by demonstrating how personality traits may differentially relate to suicide risk through gender-specific interpersonal mechanisms. The results suggest the potential value of tailored prevention approaches with particular attention to burden-related concerns for women and belongingness-focused strategies for men-while highlighting the need for further research to examine these associations across diverse populations.