Psychological Well-Being and Its Relationship to The Dark and Light Triad of Personality Among University Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Psychological well-being (PWB) is an essential aspect of students’ mental health and adjustment in university settings. The dark triad of personality (DTP) and light triad of personality (LTP) play contrasting roles in shaping PWB, yet their combined effects among university students remain underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the level of PWB and its relationship to the prevalence of personality triad among university students. Methods: A cross-sectional observational design was employed, and the study sample consisted of 513 participants (234 male students and 279 female students), selected through convenience sampling from various colleges and academic levels during the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. To collect data, PWB and personality triad scales were used. Results: Students experience a moderate level of PWB, and the environmental mastery dimension is the highest. The prevalence of DTP was low, whereas LTP was high. Results showed no statistically significant differences in PWB and personality triad levels based on gender or academic level variables. Finally, personality triad explained (38%) of the variation in PWB, and the dimensions of LTP were positively associated with PWB, whereas the dimensions of DTP were negatively associated with PWB to varying degrees. Conclusions: The results of this study contribute to understanding how personality disposition is associated with students' PWB.