The Links between Primary and Secondary Psychopathy and Social Adaptation

A deficiency of studies have explored the relationship between the psychopathic disposition and attributes of social functioning. The current investigation analyzed the relationships among these constructs in a non-institutionalized population of males (n=42) and females (n=50), with attention to both primary psychopathy and secondary psychopathy. The study was administered to members of natural social groups, and included both self-report and peer-report measures. Various aspects of friendships, romantic relationships, leadership, social goals, and measures of socially relevant personality traits were used to assess social functioning. The results support the distinction between primary and secondary psychopathy, as primary psychopathy does not seem to be detrimental to social functioning, but it does not confer any benefits either. Secondary psychopathy is consistently related to a lack of success in social functioning. The findings provide insight and support of the concept of successful psychopathy.