Recent studies have highlighted the role of dark personality traits and the Five-Factor Model (FFM) in predicting marital satisfaction and emotional disengagement; however, findings remain fragmented and sometimes inconsistent. The present study aimed to systematically review empirical evidence regarding the associations between dark personality traits, FFM dimensions, marital satisfaction, and emotional disengagement.

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Relevant studies published between 2015 and 2025 were identified through searches in Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and Persian databases including SID and Magiran. Quantitative and mixed-method studies examining associations between dark personality traits or FFM dimensions and marital satisfaction or emotional disengagement were included. Due to methodological heterogeneity among studies, findings were synthesized narratively.

The findings indicated that dark personality traits—particularly Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and maladaptive forms of narcissism—were associated with lower marital satisfaction, increased interpersonal conflict, and greater emotional disengagement. In contrast, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion were associated with higher marital quality and emotional connectedness. Neuroticism emerged as one of the strongest predictors of relational distress and emotional erosion.

Personality characteristics play a critical role in marital quality and emotional dynamics between partners. Integrating personality-focused approaches into assessment, premarital education, and couple therapy interventions may contribute to earlier identification of vulnerable relationships and more effective therapeutic planning.