Personality, social support and risk-taking/antisocial behaviour: a study of their interactions

Bull, Sophie (2018) Personality, social support and risk-taking/antisocial behaviour: a study of their interactions. MSc(Res) thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

Substantial literature suggests there is a relationship between core dimensions of personality, Dark Triad traits of personality, and risk-taking and antisocial behaviour. Social support has also been implicated as a protective factor against anti-social behaviour, risk-taking, and recidivism. This study aims to extend this previous research by investigating whether social support moderates the relationship between personality and behaviour. Self-report questionnaire scales were used to measure core dimensions of personality, Dark Triad Traits of personality, perceived social support, risk-taking behaviour, and antisocial behaviour. Using a sample of 439 persons from the general population, regression analyses in the current research demonstrate risk-taking behaviour is predicted by psychopathy, Machiavellianism, emotionality, and openness, whereas antisocial behaviour is predicted by psychopathy, openness, emotionality, and honesty-humility. Analyses show the perceived level of social support from family is weakly associated with less antisocial but not risk taking behaviour. No interaction effects were found for social support and personality on the outcome variables, suggesting no moderation effects. Results are discussed in relation to existing literature and limitations and avenues for future research are considered.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (MSc(Res))
Supervisors: Egan, Vincent
Keywords: Personality; Dark Triad; Risk taking; Anti-social behaviour; Social support
Subjects: W Medicine and related subjects (NLM Classification) > WM Psychiatry
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Medicine
Item ID: 55392
Depositing User: Bull, Sophie
Date Deposited: 05 Apr 2019 12:38
Last Modified: 07 May 2020 14:00
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/55392

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