Social Psychology Research

Abstract Introduction: Dark personality traits are linked to various social harms, including virtual bullying. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the five dark personality traits and virtual bullying, focusing on the moderating role of theory of mind in students.
Method: The current research is descriptive-correlational in nature. The statistical population includes all students enrolled in various universities across the country during the academic year 1402-1401. From this population, a sample of 426 individuals was selected using a simple random sampling method. The research utilized several tools, including a questionnaire assessing dark personality traits, a virtual bullying questionnaire, and the Theory of Mind computer test conducted within the Pursline virtual system. Data were analyzed using the adjusted hierarchical regression method.
Findings: The research results indicate a significant positive relationship between Machiavellian, antisocial, bullying, and spiteful traits and virtual bullying (P=0.001). Conversely, there is a significant negative relationship between narcissism and virtual bullying (P=0.001). Additionally, the findings reveal that theory of mind plays a moderating role in the relationship between other traits associated with harassment and spitefulness and virtual bullying (P=0.001). In other words, when theory of mind is low, the connection between the dark traits of vindictiveness and bullying and cyberbullying becomes stronger.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, promoting theory of mind appears to be an effective protective factor against virtual harassment.