NAVIGATING THE NEXUS OF DARK TRIAD TRAITS, COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS AND INTERPERSONAL DIFFICULTIES IN PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

Abstract

The objective of this study is “Relationship among Dark Triad Traits, Cognitive Distortions and Interpersonal Difficulties among patients with substance disorder. It offers valuable insights into the psychological profiles of drug users, focusing on their personality traits, thought patterns, and social relationships. Specifically, it examines the interplay among dark triad traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), cognitive distortions, and interpersonal difficulties. Data was collected from 180 drug users across four rehabilitation centers, age ranging from 18 to 40 years. Cross sectional correlation design was used in the study. Purposive sampling were used. This study comprised of only males. Following scales were used for collecting data including Demographic sheet, Short Dark Triad Scale-Urdu, Cognitive Distortions Scale-Urdu, The Inventory of Interpersonal Problems- Urdu. Data was analyzed using t-test, Anova, Correlation and Regression. The results revealed a significant association among dark triad traits, cognitive distortions (r = .61, p < 0.01) and interpersonal difficulties (r = .4, p < 0.01). Additionally, cognitive distortions were strongly linked to interpersonal difficulties (r = .61, p < 0.01). These findings underscore the importance of addressing underlying personality features and cognitive patterns when designing treatment and intervention strategies for drug users.