Subclinical psychopathic traits and romantic attachment in community couples: A dyadic approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dyadic associations between subclinical primary and secondary psychopathic traits and romantic attachment dimensions (avoidance and anxiety) in a sample of 140 couples from the community. Both partners completed self-report measures of psychopathic traits and romantic attachment. Actor–partner interdependence model analyses showed an actor effect of primary psychopathic traits on attachment anxiety and avoidance, but only for men. Results also showed an actor effect of secondary psychopathic traits on attachment anxiety and avoidance for women and men. A partner effect was observed between secondary psychopathic traits in women and their male partners’ attachment anxiety. Partner effects of primary and secondary psychopathic traits in men on their female partners’ attachment avoidance were also found. Findings shed new light on theoretical and clinical implications of psychopathic traits within romantic relationships using a dyadic approach.