Psychopathic Traits and Relationship Satisfaction in Intimate Partners: A Dyadic Approach

Maladaptive personality traits, including psychopathic traits, are inherently associated with interpersonal deficits and can undermine relationship quality. This study examined self‑ and partner‑reported psychopathic traits (Interpersonal Manipulation, Callous Affect, Erratic Lifestyle, Antisocial Tendencies) and relationship satisfaction in 85 male‑female couple dyads using Actor‑Partner Interdependence Modeling. Higher psychopathic traits were related to lower relationship satisfaction; most consistently, perceiving one's partner as more psychopathic was related to lower actor‑effect relationship satisfaction, while higher self‑rated Interpersonal Manipulation and partner‑rated Callous Affect were related to lower partner‑effect relationship satisfaction. Findings highlight complex associations between psychopathic traits and relationships, underscoring the importance of partner perceptions.