Exploring the Dark Triad's Impact on Second Language Burnout: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Abstract

Over the past four decades, numerous studies have explored the relationship between the Big Five Personality Traits and second language (L2) learning outcomes. However, there is limited research on the impact of undesirable personality traits, specifically the Dark Triad, on negative L2 learning outcomes. To address this gap, we investigated the potential effects of the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy) on L2 burnout (exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy) among 337 Chinese college L2 learners, utilizing SPSS 26 and AMOS 24. The structural equation modeling (SEM) results revealed several intriguing findings that contradicted trends observed in other fields. Notably, Psychopathy was found to be the most significant predictor, positively influencing all three dimensions of L2 burnout. Narcissism, on the other hand, was found to positively predict exhaustion and cynicism but had no significant impact on reduced self-efficacy. Surprisingly, Machiavellianism did not show a significant effect on any of the dimensions of L2 burnout. We discussed possible explanations for these findings and proposed directions for future research.

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