Cooperative Tendency in Psychopathy: Moderating Effects of Social Value Orientation

Abstract

Individuals with high psychopathic traits tend to use short-term reproductive strategies, such as having many short-term relationships and committing sexual offenses. These strategies are maladaptive in the long term, but a certain number of individuals with high psychopathic tendencies exist in modern societies. This study focuses on the effects of social value orientation (SVO) on the enhancement of cooperative tendencies in highly psychopathic individuals. We hypothesized that highly psychopathic individuals with pro-social orientation would cooperate more than those with pro-self orientation. The results showed that individuals with high psychopathic traits behaved uncooperatively regardless of the different types of SVO. In addition, they were most cooperative with family members, followed by friends, and least with strangers. This finding suggests an exaggerated kin bias in which psychopathic individuals prefer kin as a cooperation partner.