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Pathological Personality Traits Predict Early Parenting Behavior
Alexandra L Ballinger1, Alytia A Levendosky1, Amy K Nuttall2
1From the Department of Psychology, Michigan State University.
Journal of Personality Disorders
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Personality pathology (PP) impacts parenting. Antagonistic traits reduce positive parenting, while rigid perfectionism (anankastia) enhances it, offering insights into early parenting behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Personality pathology (PP) is linked to adverse parenting outcomes.
- Limited research exists on how specific PP dimensions influence parenting behaviors.
- Understanding these nuances is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential associations between dimensions of pathological personality traits and parenting behaviors.
- To validate a six-factor structure of PP trait dimensions.
- To examine the relationship between these factors and observed intrusive and positive parenting.
Main Methods:
- Validated a six-factor structure of PP traits (negative affectivity, detachment, disinhibition, antagonism, psychoticism, anankastia).
- Examined associations between these PP dimensions and observed parenting behaviors (intrusive, positive) in 302 pregnant women at 6 months postpartum.
- Oversampled pregnant women experiencing intimate partner violence.
Main Results:
- Antagonism significantly predicted lower positive parenting.
- Anankastia (rigid perfectionism) predicted higher positive parenting and lower intrusive parenting.
- Specific personality dimensions show distinct relationships with parenting quality.
Conclusions:
- Antagonistic traits (hostility, callousness) may explain the negative impact of PP on early parenting.
- Rigid perfectionism (anankastia) may foster positive parenting by promoting preparation and routine maintenance.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering specific personality traits in understanding parenting dynamics.
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