Background <p>Academic misconduct among students is common, particularly now that AI tools are widely available. Students with dark personality traits may be more likely to engage in misconduct. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study examines how the dark personality traits of materialism, narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism are associated with academic dishonesty, anxiety, and procrastination, and, in turn, frustration, negative thinking and generative AI use habits.</p> Method <p>Self-reported data from 504 Chinese university art students were analyzed using structural equation modeling.</p> Results <p>Results showed that dark personality traits were significantly associated with academic dishonesty, anxiety, and procrastination, and that these markers of academic misbehavior were linked to increased frustration, negative thinking, and generative AI use.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings highlight how personality traits are related to problematic academic behaviors and psychological difficulties. Academic institutions should provide appropriate training and psychological support to counter academic dishonesty and ensure students understand the value of academic ethics.</p>