The Dark Triad Traits of Firefighters and Risk-Taking at Work. The Mediating Role of Altruism, Honesty, and Courage

Firefighting is considered a dangerous profession that imposes unique safety hazards. In this research, we investigated the relationship between the Dark Triad traits of firefighters (N = 1434, Mage = 39.03, SD = 6.9) and their risk-taking at work, considering the mediation role of altruism, honesty, and courage. We showed that firefighters high on Machiavellianism and psychopathy reported high risk-taking. Altruism, honesty, and courage mediated the relationship between Machiavellianism and risk-taking in firefighters. Honesty and courage mediated the association between psychopathy and risk-taking. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Automated summary

The Dark Triad traits of firefighters (Machiavellianism and psychopathy) are related to their risk-taking behaviors at work, with altruism, honesty, and courage playing mediating roles. This study sheds light on the importance of altruism, honesty, and courage in influencing risk-taking behaviors among firefighters, which has implications for their work safety and risk management.