title: Examining Dark Triad traits in relation to mental toughness and physical activity in young adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Dark Triad (DT) describes a set of three closely related personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Mental toughness (MT) refers to a psychological construct combining confidence, commitment, control, and challenge. High MT is related to greater physical activity (PA) and, relative to men, women have lower MT scores. The aims of the present study were 1) to investigate the association between DT, MT, and PA, and 2) to compare the DT, MT, and PA scores of men and women.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 341 adults (M=29 years; 51.6% women; range: 18-37 years) took part in the study. Participants completed a series of questionnaires assessing DT, MT, and PA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy were all significantly associated with higher MT scores (rs =0.45, 0.50, and 0.20, respectively). DT traits and MT were associated with more vigorous PA. Compared to men, women participants had lower scores for DT traits (overall score and psychopathy), while no differences were found for MT or PA in both sexes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DT traits, high MT, and vigorous PA are interrelated. This pattern of results might explain why, for instance, successful professional athletes can at the same time be tough and ruthless.
authors: Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, AllamehTabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Sabouri
authors: Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Sport Science Section, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
authors: Markus
authors: M
authors: Gerber
authors: Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
authors: Dena
authors: D
authors: Sadeghi Bahmani
authors: Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
authors: Sakari
authors: S
authors: Lemola
authors: Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
authors: Peter J
authors: PJ
authors: Clough
authors: Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
authors: Nadeem
authors: N
authors: Kalak
authors: Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, AllamehTabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Mahin
authors: M
authors: Shamsi
authors: Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
authors: Edith
authors: E
authors: Holsboer-Trachsler
authors: Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Sport Science Section, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
authors: Serge
authors: S
authors: Brand
keywords: dark triad; mental toughness; physical activity; sex; young adults