Troubling connection found among non-clinical sample of young adults

A recent study published in the journal Behavioral Sciences sheds light on the relationship between psychopathic traits and risky sexual behaviors among young adults. The research highlights that specific traits associated with psychopathy, namely antisociality and callousness, are significant predictors of engaging in risky sexual practices.

Risky sexual behavior encompasses actions that increase the likelihood of negative health outcomes related to sexual activity. These behaviors include unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and engaging in sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Such practices pose significant public health risks, including the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.

Psychopathic traits are characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits. While traditionally linked to criminal behavior, these traits are increasingly studied in non-criminal populations to understand their broader impact on various forms of personal and social misconduct.

The primary aim of the new study was to explore the connection between psychopathic traits and risky sexual behavior within a non-Western context, specifically in Hong Kong. Previous research has predominantly focused on Western populations, leaving a gap in understanding how these behaviors interact in different cultural and social settings. Hong Kong presents a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences, making it an interesting case study for examining these traits.

“I have always been interested in the area of sexual violence, including in the most extreme forms such as sexual assault and sexual homicide, and on the other extreme, deviant sexual interest and behavior such as paraphilic interest and risky sexual behavior,” said study author Heng (Oliver) Chan, an associate professor of criminology at the University of Birmingham and author of Sexual Offending in Asia: A Psycho-Criminological Perspective and A Global Casebook of Sexual Homicide. “It is always fascinating to find out what are the contributing and precipitating factors of sexual offending behavior. In simple terms, ‘What makes them tick?’”

For their study, the researchers collected data from 714 participants from public and private universities in Hong Kong. The participants were recruited through random sampling in university settings and through social networks, with the majority opting for an online survey. The survey included measures such as the Sexual Risk Survey to assess risky sexual behaviors, and the Levenson’s Self-Report Psychopathy Scale to evaluate psychopathy traits.

Interestingly, the researchers found that general psychopathy, considered as a broad measure, was not directly associated with risky sexual behaviors. Instead, it was the specific elements of psychopathy — antisocial and callous traits — that showed a clear correlation.

Antisocial traits encompass behaviors and attitudes that deviate sharply from societal norms and laws, manifesting as a disregard for the rights and feelings of others, impulsivity, and a propensity for deceitfulness and manipulation.

Callous traits, on the other hand, refer to a marked lack of empathy and emotional depth, as well as a general insensitivity to the emotions and suffering of others. Individuals displaying these traits often seem emotionally cold and unfeeling, and they may have difficulty forming genuine emotional connections with others.

Additionally, the researchers found that participants with higher levels of sexual desire were more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, suggesting that sexual desire acts as a significant motivator for such behaviors, possibly overriding conventional social and health considerations.

“Maladaptive personality traits such as psychopathic traits are significant risk factors that can lead ones to engage in risky sexual behavior,” Chan told PsyPost. “By intervening or addressing the potential manifestation of psychopathic traits (e.g., lack of empathy, anger management), ideally during childhood and/or adolescence, can possibly reducing, if not entirely preventing, one’s tendency to engage in risky sexual behavior.”

The findings are in line with previous research on psychopathic traits. “It has been established in the literature that the positive relationship between psychopathic personality traits and delinquent/criminal offending behavior, and in this case, risky sexual behavior,” Chan said.

While the study provides valuable insights, it is not without limitations. Its cross-sectional design means that causality cannot be inferred. Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies to better understand the directionality of these relationships. Additionally, since the sample primarily consisted of university students, the findings may not be generalizable to the broader population of Hong Kong or other cultural contexts.

The study, “Risky Sexual Behavior and Psychopathy: Testing the Relationship in a Non-Clinical Sample of Young Adults in Hong Kong,” was authored by Heng (Oliver) Chan and Anthony Beech.