Unmasking the shadows: exploring Dark Triad traits in higher education

While existing research has explored the Dark Triad traits in various contexts, their influence within higher education remains underexplored. The chapter aims to fill this gap by examining the nuanced interplay of the Dark Triad within the complex environment of university settings, and implications for both students and educators. Key findings suggest associations between Dark Triad traits and academic misconduct, attitudes toward employability, and academic performance. Moreover, differences in personality traits have been found across academic majors, suggesting their role in shaping career decisions. Additionally, the chapter explores the impact of Dark Triad traits on educators, highlighting potential mistreatment and misconduct in academic settings. In sum, the chapter underscores the importance of considering personality dynamics in higher education, providing valuable insights for educators, administrators, and researchers to better understand and address the complexities of Dark Triad personality traits within academic environments.