Subclinical psychopathy and styles of intimate relationships

Abstract

Different studies show the relationship between subclinical psychopathy and the strategies of distancing and avoidance that prevent the formation of stable and lasting emotional bonds in the couple. The study analyses subclinical psychopathy and the relationship style/love type in a sample of 1289 university students to determine its frequency, as well as the relationship between psychopathy and the relationship style/love type. The Integrated/Subclinical Psychopathy Questionnaire (CUPIS) and the Triangle of Love Scale (TLS) were used. It was found that a significant percentage of these students presents features that characterise subclinical psychopathy. In addition, it was found that the higher the score in psychopathy, the lower the intimacy, passion and commitment in their relationships. Furthermore, subclinical psychopathy was found to be a greater predictor of a lack of intimacy and commitment in intimate relationships between couples. In conclusion, we highlight that, in subclinical psychopathy, there are low patterns of intimacy and commitment in relationships; so these are unlikely to remain stable over time.