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Relationship between psychopathic traits and ability emotional intelligence in a sample of incarcerated males

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2022

R. Gómez-Leal*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Psychology. University of Málaga, Department Of Basic Psychology, Málaga, Spain
A. Megías-Robles
Affiliation:
Faculty of Psychology. University of Málaga, Department Of Basic Psychology, Málaga, Spain
M.T. Sánchez-López
Affiliation:
Faculty of Psychology. University of Málaga, Department Of Basic Psychology, Málaga, Spain
P. Fernández-Berrocal
Affiliation:
Faculty of Psychology. University of Málaga, Department Of Basic Psychology, Málaga, Spain
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

The study of psychopathic traits has increased in recent years, given the impact that these traits have on our society.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between psychopathy traits and ability emotional intelligence by examining the sub-dimensions of both constructs in a sample of incarcerated males.

Methods

A total of sixty-three incarcerated adult males (Mage = 37.51) were assessed for psychopathy traits and emotional intelligence levels through the 34-item Self-Report Psychopathy Scale-III (SRP-III) and the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) respectively.

Results

The results revealed that the incarcerated population is characterized by low EI and high psychopathic traits (explained by the scores obtained on the criminal tendencies sub-dimension). Moreover, participants scoring lower in ability EI were more likely to score higher on the callous affect sub-dimension of psychopathy. We also observed an indirect negative effect of ability EI on erratic lifestyle, criminal tendencies and interpersonal manipulation sub-dimensions through the mediating role of callous affect.

Conclusions

These findings offer a better understanding of the relationship between psychopathy traits and ability emotional intelligence and provide empirical support for the need to implement intervention programs in penitentiary centers based on EI training, which could help to reduce antisocial and disruptive behaviours and facilitate future reintegration into society.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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