Malevolent monitoring : dark triad traits, cyber dating abuse and the instrumental role of self-control

Cyber dating abuse (CDA) concerns the use of online means to control, monitor and hurt one’s partner. Previous studies have found that the Dark Triad personality traits (DTT; i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) play a role in CDA perpetration. Additionally, Situational Action Theory (SAT), a theory on (the causes of) deviant behaviour, states that low self-control ability and poor personal morals make up an individual’s propensity to engage in deviant behaviours (such as CDA), and that this crime propensity is influenced and driven by intrapersonal characteristics (such as the DTT). In the present study, we aim to investigate the relationship between the DTT and CDA perpetration and the role of low self-control ability and poor personal morals in explaining this relationship. We conducted a survey study among an urban representative sample of adults who were in a romantic relationship (n = 1144, Mage = 47.66 years; 51.3% female). Findings from correlation analyses showed that all three DTT were individually associated with CDA perpetration. Furthermore, pathway analysis through structural equation modelling revealed that the relationship between all three DTT and CDA perpetration is explained by individuals’ low ability for self-control, but not by poor personal morals. Given the instrumental role of self-control in predicting CDA perpetration, prevention and intervention efforts should look for ways to improve individuals’ ability to exert self-control in situations that would otherwise trigger harmful online interpersonal behaviours, particularly among individuals with high scores on DTT.Cyber dating abuse (CDA) concerns the use of online means to control, monitor and hurt one’s partner. Previous studies have found that the Dark Triad personality traits (DTT; i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) play a role in CDA perpetration. Additionally, Situational Action Theory (SAT), a theory on (the causes of) deviant behaviour, states that low self-control ability and poor personal morals make up an individual’s propensity to engage in deviant behaviours (such as CDA), and that this crime propensity is influenced and driven by intrapersonal characteristics (such as the DTT). In the present study, we aim to investigate the relationship between the DTT and CDA perpetration and the role of low self-control ability and poor personal morals in explaining this relationship. We conducted a survey study among an urban representative sample of adults who were in a romantic relationship (n = 1144, Mage = 47.66 years; 51.3% female). Findings from correlation analyses showed that all three DTT were individually associated with CDA perpetration. Furthermore, pathway analysis through structural equation modelling revealed that the relationship between all three DTT and CDA perpetration is explained by individuals’ low ability for self-control, but not by poor personal morals. Given the instrumental role of self-control in predicting CDA perpetration, prevention and intervention efforts should look for ways to improve individuals’ ability to exert self-control in situations that would otherwise trigger harmful online interpersonal behaviours, particularly among individuals with high scores on DTT.C