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The Relation Between the Two Factors of Psychopathy and Intimate Partner Aggression
Susan Iyican1,2, Julia Babcock1,2
1Clinical Psychology doctoral student at the University of Houston, Houston, TX.
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma
|September 15, 2018
Summary
Individuals high in Fearlessness-Dominance (PPI-I) psychopathy traits, not Impulsive-Antisociality (PPI-II), are linked to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. This finding highlights specific psychopathy factors associated with increased risk for IPV.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Psychopathy is a personality disorder linked to antisocial and violent behaviors.
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant societal issue with complex contributing factors.
- Two primary factors of psychopathy, PPI-I (affective-interpersonal) and PPI-II (behavioral-lifestyle), have been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the two factors of psychopathy and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration.
- To determine which psychopathy factor, PPI-I or PPI-II, is a stronger predictor of IPV.
- To explore the predictive utility of psychopathy factors in IPV perpetration beyond demographic variables.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 114 couples.
- Employed hierarchical regression analysis to assess the predictive impact of psychopathy factors on physical violence.
- Controlled for demographic variables in the regression models.
Main Results:
- Male self-report of all forms of IPV significantly correlated with Fearlessness-Dominance (PPI-I).
- No significant correlations were found between either psychopathy factor (PPI-I or PPI-II) and male or female reports of violence when analyzed separately.
- Psychopathy factors significantly predicted variance in women's reports of men's violence and men's self-reported physical violence when controlling for demographics.
Conclusions:
- Fearlessness-Dominance (PPI-I) appears to be a more significant correlate of IPV perpetration than Impulsive-Antisociality (PPI-II).
- Individuals scoring higher on PPI-I may be at a greater risk for perpetrating IPV.
- These findings contribute to understanding the specific personality traits associated with intimate partner violence.
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