The influence of dark triad-specific personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) on parenting styles, and parental competence in raising and educating children

Elena Petrica, Georgeta Panisoara — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to determine the existence of an association between the Dark Triad personality traits, parental competence, and parental styles. The parentsʼ personality traits, particularly those of the Dark Triad, may serve as predictors of the child's level of development, educational path choices, academic outcomes, well-being, and overall development. It is of utmost importance to identify these traits to better understand the parents’ behaviour and the potential harm the parent's strategies may inflict on the child. The Dark Triad-specific personality traits can lead to authoritarian, selfish, lacking empathy, and even manipulative behaviors that can significantly and negatively impact a child's life. The research sample includes 609 respondents who fulfil the role of parent. The results revealed that parents' Machiavellian personality traits may be associated with an authoritarian or permissive parenting style, but not with a democratic parenting style. Also, the level of parental competence varies depending on the background of the parents and may be influenced by their psychopathic personality traits.

Empowering self-reliance: Assessing the impact of lifting ban for pregnant girls to return to school in Tanzania

Noel Julius Ntawigaya, Magdalena Charles Mede — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The main objective of this study was to examine how the Tanzanian government’s program allowing girls who became pregnant while in school to return after giving birth relates to efforts in promoting self-reliance among these girls. Using a quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional design, the study found that 87.5% of teenage mother students and 62.5% of teachers had positive perceptions of the program. Factors influencing teenage pregnancies included poverty (37.5%), peer pressure (10%), bad friends (10%), and rape (12.5%). Additionally, 32.5% of the pregnancies were attributed to businessmen, 27.5% to bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) drivers, 25% to street men, and 15% to fellow students. The study also revealed challenges for teenage mothers, such as difficulty balancing studying and childcare (62.5%) and stigmatization from students, teachers, family, and community members (57.5%). Teachers reported issues like low concentration in class (62.5%), late arrivals (75%), lack of respect (62.5%), and absenteeism (68.5%). Furthermore, 65% of teenage mother students reported no support from the fathers of their children, highlighting a lack of support from these individuals. It is recommended that all stakeholders provide both psychological and material support to help these teenage mothers become self-reliant. The government, in collaboration with the community, should also ensure that all perpetrators of pregnancies are held accountable for supporting these teenage mothers.

Global Journal of Social Sciences Studies

The influence of dark triad-specific personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) on parenting styles, and parental competence in raising and educating children

Empowering self-reliance: Assessing the impact of lifting ban for pregnant girls to return to school in Tanzania