Callous-unemotional traits and romantic relationships

Abstract

This study investigated the contribution of callous-unemotional (CU) traits to problems in adult romantic relationships. CU traits, or the affective component of psychopathy, are associated with problematic outcomes in social relationships, but their unique and interactive contribution to adult romantic difficulties, relative to more general antisocial tendencies, has not been the focus of much research. In a sample of 216 adults (aged 18–50), the current study examined the association of CU traits with several important romantic relationship characteristics (i.e., short-term mating, infidelity, physical aggression towards partner, dominance, and relationship satisfaction). CU traits had associations independent of antisocial behavior with physical aggression towards a partner, a dominant interpersonal style, and reduced romantic relationship satisfaction, but did not predict short-term mating strategies over and above antisocial behavior. Furthermore, antisocial behavior was only associated with interpersonal dominance when CU traits were also present. Thus, CU traits, independent of antisocial behavior, appear to be linked with dominance in relationships, relationship violence, and lower relationship satisfaction, providing further evidence for the clinical utility of CU traits.