Beyond sum scores: a network analysis of dark triad traits and nonsuicidal self-injury in emerging adults
6 affiliations
- 1School of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University , ,
- 2Psychological Research Center, Xinjiang Taineng Psychological Counseling Institution , ,
- 3Mental Health Center, Chongqing Western Hospital , ,
- 4Psychology Section, Secondary Sanatorium of Air Force Healthcare Center for Special Services , ,
- 5Department of Military Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University , ,
- 6Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University , ,
Abstract
Background
Previous studies have investigated the relationships between dark triad traits and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) based on sum scores of corresponding scales. However, this practice has hampered the fine-grained understanding of how specific dark triad traits relate to NSSI at the item level. This network analysis study aimed to examine these relationships in a joint framework and identify potential intervention targets.Methods
Dark triad traits and NSSI were measured using the Dirty Dozen (DD) and the behavior subscale of the Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Assessment Questionnaire (ANSAQ) among 1,950 emerging adults. A regularized partial correlation network was constructed, and expected influence and bridge expected influence were calculated for each node.Results
In addition to connections within each community, several cross-community edges were observed. The strongest direct edge between the Dark Triad Traits and NSSI was found between N4 "I tend to expect special favors from others" (narcissism) and B1 "Intentionally pinching myself" (NSSI), but this edge was small in magnitude. P1 "I tend to lack remorse" (psychopathy) and N1 "I tend to want others to admire me" (narcissism) had the highest expected influence values, whereas P4 "I tend to be cynical" (psychopathy) and P1 "I tend to lack remorse" (psychopathy) had the highest bridge expected influence values.Conclusion
These findings suggest that the item-level connections between dark triad traits and NSSI are generally weak, with the most prominent associations occurring within the Dark Triad Traits dimensions themselves. P1 and N1 appear to occupy central positions in the Dark Triad Traits network, while P4 and P1 mainly serve as bridges among the three dark traits traits rather than as direct links to NSSI. The direct association between narcissistic entitlement and intentional pinching may warrant further investigation, but its clinical significance remains unclear. Future research should examine whether these specific personality characteristics and self-injury behaviors can inform targeted prevention or intervention efforts among emerging adults with dark triad traits.
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BibTeX
@article{yan2026beyond,
title = {{Beyond sum scores: a network analysis of dark triad traits and nonsuicidal self-injury in emerging adults}},
author = {Weiman Yan and Siqi Ma and Tenglong Wang and Yajun Tian and Yulin Xu and Kewei Sun and Chaoqun Wang and Qingjun Guo},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1954866},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13716605},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Beyond sum scores: a network analysis of dark triad traits and nonsuicidal self-injury in emerging adults
AU - Weiman Yan
AU - Siqi Ma
AU - Tenglong Wang
AU - Yajun Tian
AU - Yulin Xu
AU - Kewei Sun
AU - Chaoqun Wang
AU - Qingjun Guo
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/15
JO - Frontiers in psychology
DO - 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1954866
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13716605
AB - Background Previous studies have investigated the relationships between dark triad traits and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) based on sum scores of corresponding scales. However, this practice has hampered the fine-grained understanding of how specific dark triad traits relate to NSSI at the item level. This network analysis study aimed to examine these relationships in a joint framework and identify potential intervention targets.Methods Dark triad traits and NSSI were measured using the Dirty Dozen (DD) and the behavior subscale of the Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Assessment Questionnaire (ANSAQ) among 1,950 emerging adults. A regularized partial correlation network was constructed, and expected influence and bridge expected influence were calculated for each node.Results In addition to connections within each community, several cross-community edges were observed. The strongest direct edge between the Dark Triad Traits and NSSI was found between N4 "I tend to expect special favors from others" (narcissism) and B1 "Intentionally pinching myself" (NSSI), but this edge was small in magnitude. P1 "I tend to lack remorse" (psychopathy) and N1 "I tend to want others to admire me" (narcissism) had the highest expected influence values, whereas P4 "I tend to be cynical" (psychopathy) and P1 "I tend to lack remorse" (psychopathy) had the highest bridge expected influence values.Conclusion These findings suggest that the item-level connections between dark triad traits and NSSI are generally weak, with the most prominent associations occurring within the Dark Triad Traits dimensions themselves. P1 and N1 appear to occupy central positions in the Dark Triad Traits network, while P4 and P1 mainly serve as bridges among the three dark traits traits rather than as direct links to NSSI. The direct association between narcissistic entitlement and intentional pinching may warrant further investigation, but its clinical significance remains unclear. Future research should examine whether these specific personality characteristics and self-injury behaviors can inform targeted prevention or intervention efforts among emerging adults with dark triad traits.
SN - 1664-1078
ER -