Associations of Dark Triad traits and problem gambling: Moderating role of age among university students

The current study examined the associations of Dark Triad personality factors (namely, Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) with problem gambling, and whether age moderates nature of these associations. Participants were 252 Nigerian undergraduate students who were identified as sports gamblers. They completed the 27-item Short Dark Triad and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Results showed that psychopathy and student’s age positively predicted problem gambling, while narcissism was a negative predictor of problem gambling. Machiavellianism did not significantly predict problem gambling. It was also found that at older age, the associations of narcissism and psychopathy with problem gambling was stronger than at mean age, but non-existent at younger age. Age did not moderate of the relationship between Machiavellianism and problem gambling. Implications of the findings for problem gambling engagement, and prevention strategies in at risk university students were highlighted.