Investigation Reveals: Power, Psychopathy, and Their Role in Aggression Among Leaders
In a series of studies conducted by researchers from the University of Bamberg, Ohio State University, and other institutions, the impact of social power, psychopathic personality traits, and behaviour in romantic relationships was investigated. The studies, published in the journal Aggressive Behavior, shed light on the link between feeling powerless in a relationship and exhibiting psychopathic behaviour, and its subsequent effect on psychological aggression.
Psychological aggression, defined as deliberate verbal or emotional harm such as shouting, threatening, or insulting, was found to be more prevalent among individuals who felt less influential in their relationship and exhibited high levels of psychopathy. The research team, led by Dr. Robert Körner and Prof. Dr. Astrid Schütz from the University of Bamberg, also found that partners of individuals with low power and high psychopathy were more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour.
The studies included participants aged between 18 and 90, in relationships ranging from a few weeks to several decades. The participants answered online questions about their age, gender, relationship duration, sexual orientation, personal sense of power in the relationship, personality traits, and aggressive behaviour towards their partner. The studies were conducted with a total of 454 participants, including 188 individuals in relationships and 266 romantic couples in Germany.
Psychopathy, characterized by antagonistic, self-centered, and affectless thinking and behaviour, was found to play a significant role in this dynamic. When individuals with high psychopathic personality traits experienced low power in their relationship, they were more likely to exhibit conflict-prone behaviour. Conversely, when individuals felt powerful in their relationship, they were less likely to engage in psychological aggression, regardless of their psychopathic traits.
The studies not only included heterosexual couples but also individuals in queer partnerships, ensuring a diverse sample. The key finding was that individuals who feel less influential in their relationship and exhibit high levels of psychopathy are more likely to engage in psychological aggression.
The study, titled "Low power and high psychopathy: A toxic combination for psychological aggression," was published in the journal Aggressive Behavior. For more details, the publication can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.70045.
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