Investigate the mediating role of value orientation in predicting life satisfaction based on dark and light personality traits and emotional differentiation

Life satisfaction is influenced by personality traits, including dark and light personality traits, and emotional differentiation.

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of value orientation in predicting life satisfaction based on dark and light personality traits and emotional differentiation.

In this descriptive, correlational study, the structural equation modeling was applied. The statistical population consisted of people, referred to the health centers of Tabriz, Iran, in 2022. A total of 400 people were selected by the available sampling method. For data collection, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) by Diner et al., Johnson & Webster's Dark Triad Personality (DTP) Questionnaire, Light Triple Personality (LTP) Questionnaire by Kaufman et al., Drake and Murdock’s Differentiation of Self Inventory-Short Form (DSI-SF), and Schwartz’s Value Survey (SVS) were used. For data analysis, the structural equation modeling in AMOS software was applied.

The results indicated the direct significant role of dark (β=-0.38) and light (β=0.34) personality traits, as well as emotional differentiation (β=0.29) in predicting life satisfaction. Besides, an indirect relationship was found between these variables and life satisfaction, with the mediating role of value orientation (P<0.05).

The component of value orientation mediated the relationship between life satisfaction and dark/light personality traits and emotional differentiation. These findings can have practical implications for counselors and psychologists to increase life satisfaction.