How does chronotype mediate gender effect on Dark Triad?

- CSM and psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and Dark Triad composite were correlated.
- Men scored higher on all three Dark Triad traits and were more evening-oriented.
- Eveningness slightly mediated gender's effect on most of the Dark Triad components.

Research has shown an association between both eveningness and Dark Triad (DT) traits and some personality characteristics. In this study, we assessed the relationship between morningness-eveningness and DT personality traits. The sample consisted of 1393 students (mean age 22.95; 616 men and 777 women). We aimed for a gender balanced sample. Correlation, comparison, and mediation analyses were carried out. Findings showed negative correlations between Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) scores and the DT composite, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Age was neither correlated with DT traits, nor with CSM scores. Men scored higher than women on all three DT traits and women were more morning-oriented than men. Besides, findings indicated eveningness mediating gender's effect on all DT components slightly - except for narcissism. This study shed light on a previously unassessed aspect of chronotype as mediator in the relationship between gender and DT.