Shadows of Upbringing: Linking Perceived Parenting Styles, Cognitive Emotion Regulation, and Dark Triad Traits among College Students

Early environment and cognitive process are critical determinants of personality development, particularly in the emergence of maladaptive traits such as the Dark triad. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive), cognitive emotion regulation strategies (adaptive and maladaptive) and Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism) among college students. A quantitative correlational research design was employed. Data were collected using standardized self-report instruments including the Perceived Parenting Styles Scale, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), and the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad Scale. Since the data violated normality assumptions, Spearman’s rho correlation and linear regression were used. The findings concluded that authoritarian parenting and permissive parenting styles were positively associated with Dark Triad traits and negatively associated with authoritative parenting style. Adaptive cognitive emotion regulation was negatively correlated with Dark Triad traits, while maladaptive strategies were positively correlated. Additionally, parenting styles revealed significant relationship with both adaptive and maladaptive strategies. Regression analysis confirmed the parenting styles and cognitive emotion regulation predict Dark Triad traits. The study emphasizes on the importance of early parenting practices and cognitive processes in shaping socially aversive personality traits.