Factor Structure and Validity Estimates of the Korean Version of the Short Dark Triad

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and validity) and factor structure of the Korean version of the Short Dark Triad (SD3) with 27 items for evaluating the traits of the Dark Triad: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. An analysis of factor structure using both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) within Study 1 and Study 2 (N = 250 for study 1, N = 250 for study 2) yielded two factors of Machivellianism-Psychopathy (Ma-Psy) and Narcissism in Korea and did not suport the 3-factor solution of the original SD3 developed by Johns & Paulhus (2014). For item-level validity, the Rasch Rating Scale Model was applied and the final 17 items with two factors of the dark personality (SD-2) were confirmed as a result of an item goodness-of-fit and item difficulty. Also, the psychometric properties of the Korean adaptation of the SD3 (2-factor solution with 17 items, called SD2) provided support for both convergent and discrimiant validity estimates as well as stability over 1-month time interval. Implications and limitations of the current research are discussed.