A Moderated-Expression Model of 'Successful' Psychopathy: Psychopathic Personality Traits, Psychological Flexibility, and Valued Goal Pursuit

<p><strong>The mechanisms underlying ‘successful’ manifestations of psychopathy remain poorly understood. This study examined the moderated-expression model of successful psychopathy, which posits that adaptive behaviours in individuals with high levels of psychopathic traits emerge through interactions between these traits and external moderating factors. Specifically, we investigated psychological flexibility (PF) and Self-Centred Impulsivity (SCI) as potential moderators influencing the relationship between Fearless Dominance (FD) and valued goal pursuit. We hypothesised that higher levels of FD would predict sustained goal pursuit when PF is high and SCI is low. Participants included 388 first-year students (76.3% female), who completed a battery of self-report measures, including the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised (PPI-R), Personalised Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI), Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy processes (CompACT), and Valuing Questionnaire (VQ). Results indicated that FD was positively associated with valued goal pursuit, while SCI demonstrated a consistent negative association. Although PF as a whole did not moderate the association between FD and goal pursuit, specific facets—namely Acceptance, Behavioural Awareness, and Openness to Experience—did. These facets buffered the negative impact of SCI, reducing its disruptive effect on goal achievement. Furthermore, SCI negatively moderated the FD-goal pursuit link, underscoring its detrimental influence on goal-directed behaviour. These findings support the moderated-expression model of successful psychopathy, demonstrating that facets of PF and SCI moderate the association between psychopathic traits and the pursuit of valued goals. Further research is warranted to explore these associations and their implications for interventions aimed at fostering adaptive functioning.</strong></p>