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Validation of the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4) in Persian

Assessment of Its Structure and Nomological Network

Published Online:January 18, 2024https://doi.org/10.1027/1614-0001/a000417

Abstract

Abstract: The Short Dark Tetrad of Personality (SD4) is a self-report instrument for screening individuals with dark personality traits, including narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism. In the present study, we examined the psychometric properties of the Persian version in an Iranian sample. After translating the instrument, we conducted a large online survey that included 1,696 participants (67% female), aged 18–60 years. We performed a series of confirmatory factor analyses and examined the nomological network to validate the instrument. After assessing five competing structural models, the four-factor model showed the best fit based on standard goodness-of-fit indices. The sub-scales also showed coherent links with risk-taking and pathological personality traits. We conclude that the Persian SD4 has a distinct four-factor structure with adequate reliability and validity. Therefore, it can be used to measure dark personality traits in Farsi-speaking samples.

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