Psychopathic traits predict lower adherence to COVID-19 containment measures

Abstract

Countries worldwide have implemented measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, and it is vital to understand which factors influence compliance to these measures. This study investigated whether psychopathic traits predict adherence to containment measures imposed by the UK government. 156 university students (M_age=21 years) completed an online survey measuring psychopathic traits (the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure), demographic variables, and participants’ living situations, underlying health risks, contact with vulnerable people and fear of COVID-19. Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that higher psychopathic traits (particularly disinhibition) predicted lower adherence to containment measures when controlling for other variables. A mixed-model ANOVA analysing longitudinal data, collected during the second (n=156) and third (n=118) lockdowns, showed that this relationship was stable over time. Additionally, fear of COVID-19 predicted adherence and mediated the relationship between psychopathic traits and adherence. These findings highlight the relevance of psychopathic traits for understanding COVID-19-related behaviours, with implications for public health communication.