The Triarchic Psychopathy Domains and Romantic Relationship Quality : The Role of Boldness

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate associations between psychopathic traits (disinhibition, boldness, and meanness) and indicators of relationship quality (satisfaction, commitment, feelings toward the partner, closeness, and relationship costs) using a variable-centred and a person-centred approach. A total of 1,292 participants completed measures assessing psychopathic traits and relationship quality. Correlation analysis indicated that boldness was positively, while disinhibition and meanness were negatively correlated with relationship quality. Subsequently, cluster analysis was conducted to identify groups of participants with different combinations of psychopathic traits. Three clusters were extracted: “disinhibited”, “callous”, and “brave-resistant”. The last cluster had an elevated level of boldness and was relatively “positive” regarding relationship quality. The results seem congruent with the presumption of a different role of boldness, compared to meanness and disinhibition, in the domain of close relationships.