Self-Disgust and the Dark Triad Traits: The Role of Expressive Suppression

This study examined whether the dark triad personality traits were related to the experience of self-disgust, and whether these relationships were mediated by emotion regulation deficits. A sample of (N = 620) individuals completed measures of emotion regulation, dark triad traits and self-disgust. Correlational analysis determined that self-disgust was significantly related to increased psychopathy and Machiavellianism, but not narcissism. Parallel multiple mediation analyses evidenced an indirect effect of self-disgust on psychopathy through expressive suppression but not cognitive reappraisal. In contrast, emotion regulation strategies did not mediate the relationship between self-disgust and Machiavellianism. The current observations provide contributions to research in self-disgust and the dark triad personality traits. Addressing negative self-appraisal and related emotional difficulties may benefit individuals displaying anti-social personality traits.