The mediating role of Dark Triad of personality in the relationship between biological sex and problematic alcohol drinking in university students

Introduction:
This study aims to examine the relationship between biological sex, problematic alcohol use and the Dark Triad of personality traits among Polish university students using the Addiction as Excessive Appetites (AEA) model within a biopsychosocial framework.

Material and methods:
A sample of 565 Polish university students (mean age 23, 79.47% females) participated in the cross-sectional online survey to assess problematic drinking (using bMAST) and the Dark Triad of personality (using Dirty Dozen).

Results:
Male students scored significantly higher than females in alcohol-related problems (ARP) and all traits of the Dark Triad: Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy. However, it was found that ARP was positively correlated only with Machiavellianism. The study also confirmed that Machiavellianism played a mediating role in the relationship between male sex and ARP.

Discussion:
The study uncovered the mechanism of interplay between sex and the Dark Triad of personality, contributing to problematic alcohol drinking among university students. Young men with heightened traits of Machiavellianism may develop strategies for drinking more, leading to a greater risk of problematic drinking.

Conclusions:
In light of these findings, it is recommended that prevention and intervention programmes focus on the reduction of harmful alcohol drinking, taking into account the Machiavellian trait, especially characterising male university students.