“It’s what matters to me”: values, relationships, and psychopathic traits in young adults.

Background: While a vast amount of research has explored psychopathy and its associated strengths and deficits, little research has included a qualitative exploration of individual experiences related to the topic. It has long been assumed that psychopathic individuals place less worth on relationships and care little about the world around them, with limited intervention options available producing largely bleak outcomes. Aims: The present study aimed to explore experiences of interpersonal relationships to gain insight into the perceived key aspects of relationships, including relationship rules and dynamics. Furthermore, the study aimed to explore the perceived significance of varying personal values. Lastly, the study aimed to explore the link between psychopathic traits, as measured by the PCL:SV, and aspects of interpersonal relationships and personal values. Methods: Fifteen young adults aged 18 to 30 years were recruited via the Essex University database and SONA, as well as via social media and from a participant pool as part of a research group. Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely using video-calling technology. Interviews included the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV; Hare, 1995) and questions adapted from Schwartz Value Survey (SVS; Schwartz, 1992). Interviews were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Reflexive thematic analysis generated three main themes in relation to interpersonal relationships and values: external influences; expectations of myself and the other; my internal world. Comparisons were also drawn between subjective views of values and interpersonal relationships, and psychopathic characteristics included in the PCL:SV (Hare, 1995). The results demonstrated significant variation between subjective worth and perceived key aspects of relationships and values, and associative links between values, relationships, and psychopathic traits. Conclusions: The findings provide insight into the relationship between subjective values, interpersonal relationship beliefs, and psychopathic traits, contributing to the current research. Implications for clinical practice, theory development, and future research are discussed.