Without concern: Predicting personal-moral transgressions from psychopathy and gender

Characterized by a tendency to guiltlessly exploit and manipulate others (Hare, 2003), psychopathy has been labeled a disorder of moral faculties (Maibom, 2014). The association between psychopathy and moral transgressions has often been viewed as a consequence of lacking empathetic concern for others (Blair, 2007). The current study further explored the association between psychopathy and morality by isolating the factors and facets most salient to the prediction of moral transgressions. Additionally, the current study examined whether this association was moderated by gender. A sample of 557 undergraduates completed a measure of psychopathy and responded to a series of personal-moral dilemmas. Results indicated that personal-harm endorsement was most strongly associated with the interpersonal manipulative traits of psychopathy. This association was not moderated by gender. The results of this study inform the understanding of factors that may lead individuals higher in psychopathy to engage in immoral behavior.