Whose Dark Traits Spoil Family Communication? A Triadic Analysis of Families Raising Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is a turbulent stage of development for both adolescents and their families. Family communication remains one of the major means to adjust to developmental tasks in this stage. Since personality traits have a profound effect on the process of communication, Dark Triad (DT) traits were hypothesized to negatively influence family communication. We wanted to further explore the actor and partner effects of family members’ DT traits on their perceptions of family communication. Ninety-eight families (N = 294) with convenience sampling were recruited for our study. All three family members (i.e., fathers, mothers, and adolescent children) reported their level of DT traits on the Short Dark Triad and perceived quality of family communication on the Communication scale of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-IV. We classified families based on members’ level of DT traits, but no significant difference in mothers', fathers', and adolescents' perceptions of family communication was found across types of families. Results of triadic extensions of the actor-partner interdependence model showed that mothers' and adolescents' levels of Machiavellianism negatively affected family communication as perceived by fathers and mothers, respectively. Fathers' level of narcissism affected adolescents’ perceptions of family communication negatively. Fathers' level of psychopathy had a negative effect on their own and mothers' perceptions of family communication. Results are in line with general findings about DT traits and highlight their influence in affecting family communication. Specific actor and partner effects are discussed with regard to family roles.