Exploring Attachment-Related Factors and Psychopathic Traits: A Systematic Review Focused on Women

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Psychopathy in women is understudied, especially concerning early relational experiences like attachment.
• Understanding these links is crucial for effective interventions and risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the association between attachment factors and psychopathic traits in women.
• To explore the differential impact of attachment styles on various facets of psychopathy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines across multiple databases.
• Inclusion of eight studies meeting predefined criteria from 147 initial articles.
• Assessment of methodological quality of included studies.

Main Results:

• Insecure attachment styles are differentially associated with psychopathy in women.
• Avoidant attachment links to callous-unemotional traits, while anxious attachment shows varied associations.
• Negative parenting correlates with psychopathy; positive involvement is protective.

Conclusions:

• Attachment-informed approaches are vital for forensic risk assessment and trauma-informed care for women with psychopathic traits.
• Early interventions targeting relational experiences can mitigate psychopathic traits.
• Further research is needed to clarify the heterogeneous role of anxious attachment.