Work

Shadows of competition: unraveling the effects of Dark Triad and moral emotions on antisocial behaviour in Iranian male football players

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the relationships between Dark Triad (DT) traits – narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy – and antisocial behaviour among 404 professional Iranian soccer players, focusing on the mediating roles of guilt and shame proneness. Structural equation modelling showed that Machiavellianism and psychopathy were the strongest predictors of antisocial behaviour toward both teammates and opponents, while narcissism demonstrated a weaker but still significant effect. Low guilt and shame proneness partially mediated these associations, underscoring the importance of dispositional moral emotions. The model accounted for 41% and 45% of the variance in antisocial opponent and teammate behaviours, respectively. These findings highlight guilt and shame proneness as likely mechanisms, offering promising targets for intervention to curb unethical behaviour in sports.

Source: International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

DOI: 10.1080/1612197x.2026.2716004

Authors: Saeed Kabiri, Maria Kavussanu, Fawn T. Ngo

Institutions: University of Birmingham, University of South Florida

Language: English

Topic: Personality Traits and Psychology

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7112307770

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