Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
05:03
Author Spotlight: Unveiling Mechanisms of Stress Resilience - Significant Findings, Advancements, and Future Research
Published on: December 15, 2023
4.7K
Antisocial personality traits transcend species
Christopher J Hopwood1, Wiebke Bleidorn1
1Department of Psychology.
Personality Disorders
|October 8, 2020
Summary
Antisocial personality traits are linked to negative attitudes and behaviors toward animals. This suggests the term "antisocial" may apply to both human and nonhuman interactions, aiding clinical assessment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Antisocial personality is characterized by callous disregard for others.
- Animal cruelty is a conduct disorder precursor in children, but adult antisociality's relation to antianimal attitudes is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine associations between adult antisocial personality traits and antianimal attitudes/behaviors.
- To investigate if "antisocial" encompasses disregard for nonhuman animals.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed two samples assessing speciesism, hunting/fishing behaviors, and lack of sympathy for animal rights.
- Correlated antianimal attitudes/behaviors with traits underlying antisocial personality.
Main Results:
- Consistent links found between antisocial personality traits and antianimal attitudes/behaviors.
- Effects were specific to antisociality traits, with some association with low openness.
- Antisocial traits better predicted variation among meat-eaters than differences between vegetarians and meat-eaters.
Conclusions:
- The term "antisocial" appears applicable to negative attitudes and behaviors toward both humans and nonhuman animals.
- Antianimal attitudes and behaviors may be valuable in clinical assessments of antisocial personality.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Antisocial Personality Disorder
413
Antisocial personality disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of disregard for the rights and well-being of others. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder exhibit behaviors that include deceitfulness, impulsivity, irresponsibility, aggression, and a profound lack of empathy. These traits often manifest early in life and persist into adulthood, leading to significant personal, social, and legal consequences.
Behavioral Characteristics and...
Behavioral Characteristics and...
413
01:29Dark Triad and Person Perception
150
Person perception is influenced by both external behaviors and the observer’s internal characteristics, including personality traits. Individuals with dark personality traits, comprising psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism — collectively known as the dark triad – exhibit manipulative and exploitative tendencies in social contexts. These traits affect how they perceive others and how they are perceived.The Role of Dark Personality Traits in Person PerceptionBlack et...
150
01:23Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits
128
Personality traits are fundamental in shaping social perception and influencing interpersonal relationships. Certain traits, such as agreeableness and extraversion, contribute positively to social interactions, whereas others, such as narcissism, have complex and often contradictory effects on how individuals are perceived over time.The Role of Agreeableness and ExtraversionAgreeableness and extraversion are associated with higher levels of interpersonal attractiveness and likability.
128
01:28Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
156
Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...
156
01:26Personality Disorders: Narcissistic and Avoidant
470
Narcissistic and avoidant personality traits represent two contrasting patterns of behavior that significantly influence social interactions and self-perception. While individuals with narcissistic disorder seek admiration and validation, individuals with avoidant personality disorder withdraw due to fear of judgment.
Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic individuals exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration. They are often...
Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic individuals exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration. They are often...
470
01:22Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid
353
Personality disorders represent enduring cognition, affect, and behavior patterns that significantly deviate from societal norms. These maladaptive traits often lead to difficulties in various domains, including interpersonal relationships, occupational settings, and overall psychological well-being. Paranoid personality disorder and schizoid personality disorder are two distinct conditions marked by odd or eccentric behavior.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
353