The Relation Between Psychopathy and Sexual Aggression: A Meta-Analysis

Psychopathy is a multifaceted, hierarchical construct that has been linked to aggression and antisocial behavior. The triarchic model of psychopathy comprises three underlying, distinct trait domains: boldness, disinhibition, and meanness. Understanding how psychopathy at general and factor levels relates to sexual aggression is critical given its connection and the serious repercussions of sexual aggression.

This preregistered meta-analysis (k = 117) examined the relationship between psychopathy at the total construct and triarchic levels and sexual aggression in adult samples. A relative weights analysis was used to produce triarchic psychopathy scores from commonly used psychopathy measures and the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM).

Psychopathy evinced a moderate, positive relationship with general sexual aggression as well as most specific forms of sexual aggression except for rape and child molestation. At the triarchic level, meanness and disinhibition related positively and boldness negatively to sexual aggression. Other moderation analyses revealed significant heterogeneity in study methods and characteristics that can explain variability in psychopathy's relations with sexual aggression.

Psychopathy relates moderately to various forms of sexual aggression. The relationship depends on multiple factors. Understanding these mechanisms can inform prevention, treatment, and risk assessment of damaging sexual acts.