Psychopathy Facets and their Effects on Job Satisfaction and Well- Being: Boldness as a Moderator

Abstract

Extant research has shown that psychopathy is generally related to poor employee and individual well-being. However, few studies have examined the differential relationship between psychopathic dimensions and well-being outcomes. Drawing from the differential- configuration model of successful psychopathy and using a measure of the triarchic model of psychopathy, this study investigated how psychopathy facets (boldness, meanness, and disinhibition) are uniquely related to job satisfaction, life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Drawing from the moderated-expression model of successful psychopathy, boldness was proposed as a moderator of the meanness-wellbeing relationship. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that boldness was positively related to job satisfaction, life satisfaction, positive affect, and negatively so to negative affect. Meanness was negatively related to job satisfaction and positive affect, whereas disinhibition was negatively associated with life satisfaction and negative affect. Moderation analyses revealed significant interactions of boldness with meanness on job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and positive affect. Findings highlight the differential contribution of psychopathy facets to job satisfaction and personal well-being and the role of boldness as a protective factor.