Understanding Subtypes of NSSI Participants through the Lens of the Dark Triad: Inoffensive, Aggressive, and Narcissistic

The Dark Triad encompasses three domains: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Although most existing research on the Dark Triad mainly focused on healthy populations using the variable-centered approach, heterogeneity in Dark Triad among mental health vulnerable groups (i.e., NSSI participants) is not yet well understood. The current study aims to extend the research on the Dark Triad using the individual-centered approach among NSSI participants, which contributes to understanding the heterogeneity in the Dark Triad, and the relationship between subtypes based on the Dark Triad and attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help. Relying on latent profile analysis, we explored the subtypes based on the Dark Triad among 469 secondary school students (51.39% female) who had engaged in NSSI. Latent profile analysis identified three subtypes (i.e., inoffensive, aggressive, and narcissistic), which differentially predicted individuals' help-seeking attitudes. Specifically, the results showed that the aggressive subtype had reduced help-seeking attitudes than the inoffensive and narcissistic subtypes. Our findings provide important contributions to the literature on the Dark Triad and shed light on the early identification and intervention of NSSI.