The Relationship Between Dark and Light Dimensions of Personality with Life Satisfaction Mediated by Value Orientations

Different studies have examined the relationship between dark and light personality dimensions and life satisfaction. Using the structural equation method, this correlational descriptive study aimed to determine the relationship between dark and light dimensions of personality with life satisfaction as mediated by value orientations. To this end, 400 people who referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran were selected through convenience sampling method. To collect data, Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, Dark Triad Personality Questionnaire, Light Triad Personality Questionnaire, and the Value System Questionnaire were used. Then the data were analyzed using the structural equation method. While the dark dimensions had a negative effect on life satisfaction, the light dimensions had a positive effect. There was a negative relationship between dark dimensions and life satisfaction as mediated by value orientations. Meanwhile, there was a positive relationship between light dimensions and life satisfaction as mediated by value orientations. Therefore, the dark and light dimensions of personality and the way of value orientation are related to the level of life satisfaction. Accordingly, researchers can examine the effectiveness of these variables on life satisfaction through developing psychotherapy interventions influencing the variables of dark and light dimensions of personality and value orientation. Introduction*Various personality variables affect the level of life satisfaction. The dark dimensions, including antisocial, narcissism, and Machiavellianism, have a direct role in people's attitudes towards life (Paulhus ­­­&Williams, 2002). Various studies have shown the negative relationship between dark personality traits and life satisfaction (Marashi et al., 2017; Sharifinia & Harun Rashidi, 2020). The light dimensions, including three dimensions of humanity, faith in humanity, and Kantianism (Kaufman et al., 2019) along with the way of value orientation have a positive relationship with life satisfaction (Sadeghi et al., 2018). While people with light personality traits use developed defense mechanisms (Wood et al., 2010) leading to life satisfaction, people with dark personality traits choose anti-moral values ‌‌in life (Oboyle et al., 2012) which result in dissatisfaction with life. Considering the essential role of personality traits and the type of value orientation in the level of life satisfaction, this study aimed to investigate the relationship