This study, using a semi-longitudinal design, explored the extent to which Dark Triad traits indirectly (through mental toughness) predicted learning styles (i.e., deep, strategic, and surface learning) and depression symptoms. First year undergraduates (N = 100 matched at two-time intervals; 17 males, 83 females; mean age = 19.02, range = 18 to 24) completed self-report questionnaires at the beginning of the academic year and the start of the second term. Mediation analysis revealed that narcissism contributed indirectly to reduced surface learning, increased strategic learning, and lower symptoms of depression. Psychopathy and Machiavellianism were neither indirectly associated with learning styles nor depression symptoms. These findings have important applied implications. Specifically, they indicate that features of narcissism are beneficial to mental health and learning outcomes. These results also highlight the need for further research to identify ways to promote the adaptive vs. maladaptive features of Dark Triad traits in education.

本研究采用半纵向设计，探讨了黑暗三元组特征间接（通过心理韧性）预测学习风格（即深度、策略和表面学习）和抑郁症状的程度。一年级本科生（N =  100 两次匹配；17 名男性，83 名女性；平均年龄 = 19.02, range = 18 to 24) 在学年开始和第二学期开始时完成了自我报告问卷。中介分析显示，自恋间接导致表面学习减少、战略学习增加和抑郁症状减轻。精神病态和马基雅维利主义既不与学习方式也与抑郁症状没有间接关联。这些发现具有重要的应用意义。具体来说，他们表明自恋的特征有利于心理健康和学习成果。这些结果还强调了进一步研究的必要性，以确定在教育中促进黑暗三元组特征的适应性与适应不良特征的方法。