Dark Triad Traits, Moral Identity, Civic Moral Disengagement and Littering Behavior among University Students
Keywords:
civic moral disengagement, Dark Triad traits, moral identity, littering behavior, university studentsAbstract
Littering behavior among university students—particularly prevalent in developing countries—represents a critical environmental challenge influenced by personality traits and moral processes. With civic moral disengagement proposed as a mediator, this study examines how Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism), along with moral identity encompassing moral self and moral integrity, are associated with littering behavior. A correlational research design was employed. A total of 403 Pakistani university students (323 females and 80 males), aged 18 to 28 years (M = 22.41, SD = 2.27), were selected using a non-randomized convenient sampling strategy. To assess the study variables, well-established measures with strong psychometric properties were translated into the indigenous language (Urdu). Pearson’s product moment correlations indicated that littering behavior was positively related to civic moral disengagement and Dark Triad traits, and negatively related to moral identity. Structural equation modeling further revealed that the effects of moral integrity, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy on littering behavior were mediated by civic moral disengagement. These findings highlight the need for an intervention that strengthen moral integrity and reduce civic moral disengagement, particularly among individuals high in Machiavellianism and psychopathy, to promote environmental responsibility.
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