An investigation into the relationships between Emotional intelligence, Behavioral Activation System (BAS), Behavioral inhibition System (BIS), and dark triad traits (Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy)

This study investigated the relationships between Emotional intelligence, behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS) with dark triad traits including Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy. For this purpose, multi-stage cluster sampling, 246 students from the Bu Ali Sina University were selected randomly and then were asked to complete Dark Triad Traits Scale (Jones & Paulhus, 2014), Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso, 1999) and Behavioral Activation and Inhibition Scale (Carver & White, 1994). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive indicators, correlation coefficient, simultaneous multiple regression and paired t-test. The results showed not significant relationship between emotional intelligence with the traits Machiavellianism and narcissism, but significantly negative relationship between emotional intelligence with psychopathy trait. A significant positive correlation was shown between behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition systems with psychopathy trait of dark triad traits and emotional intelligence. Comparing the women and men in dark personality traits and emotional intelligence showed that the two groups had no differences in dark triad traits, however, women had higher scores in emotional intelligence than men.