Pathology,pseudopathology, and the Dark Triad of personality

The Dark Triad traits (i.e., psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) have traditionally been viewed as undesirable and pathological. In contrast, an evolutionary perspective suggests that traits like these might be pseudopathologies; traits that society actively dislikes in that they pose a threat to the collective good. We examined (N = 290) how the Dark Triad traits related to intrapersonal (i.e., behavioral dysfunction), quasibehavioral (i.e., reactive and proactive aggression), and interpersonal (i.e., communal and exchange orientation) factors. Psychopathy predicted high rates of behavioral dysregulation and both forms of aggression. Psychopathy and Machiavellianism showed an aversion towards communalism but an exchange orientation to social relationships. Lastly, individual differences in the Dark Triad traits accounted for part (5–22%) of the sex differences in social strategies and aggression. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed in, and in support of, an evolutionary paradigm.     

Sex roles and friendship patterns

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among sex, sex role orientation, and friendship. Based on the Bem Sex Role Inventory, 164 participants were categorized as either androgynous (17 males; 29 females), traditional (36 males; 39 females), or undifferentiated (26 males; 17 females) in their sex role orientation. Participants reported the number of close male and female friends, and responded to several questionnaires: interpersonal trust of male and female friends, communal and exchange orientations, affective and activity attributes associated with male and female friends, loneliness, and friendship satisfaction. Results indicate that close friends tended to be same sex, even though females had more close friends overall than did the males. Androgyny was related to characteristics that enhance the development and maintenance of close friendships, such as a communal orientation and positive conceptions of friends, while the undifferentiated orientation was related to less relationship enhancing orientations and a less rewarding interpersonal milieu. The study confirms that sex and sex role orientation are important factors in both quantitative and qualitative aspects of friendship during young adulthood.Portions of this paper were presented at the annual convention of the Southwestern Psychological Association, Houston, Texas, April 13, 1989. We appreciate the extensive help of an anonymous reviewer on earlier versions of this paper.     

Therapists' emotional reactions to patients as a mediator in cognitive behavioural treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia

The aims of this study were to examine whether therapists' emotional reactions to their patients mediate the effect of personality disorders and interpersonal problem behaviours on the outcome of treatment, focusing on an Axis I disorder; and whether therapists' reactions mediate the effect of personality disorders on the course of interpersonal problems. Therapists completed a checklist of emotional reactions to individual patients after the end of residential cognitive or guided mastery therapy for 46 inpatients with panic disorder with agoraphobia. The severity of DSM-III-R personality disorder was related to therapists' insecurity feelings, but not to interest and anger. A higher level of therapists' insecurity feelings was related to less reduction in self-reported agoraphobic avoidance during treatment, whereas therapists' emotions were unrelated to symptomatic course after treatment. Therapists' insecurity feelings appeared partly to mediate the relationship between patients' severity of personality disorder and persistence of patients' interpersonal dominance and nurturance problems.     

Approach and avoidance sexual motives: Implications for personal and interpersonal well‐being

This research provides the first empirical investigation of how approach and avoidance motives for engaging in sex in intimate relationships are associated with personal well‐being and relationship quality. A 2‐week daily experience study of college student dating couples tested specific predictions from the theoretical model and included both longitudinal and dyadic components. Whereas approach sex motives were positively associated with personal and interpersonal well‐being, avoidance sex motives were negatively associated with well‐being. Engaging in sex for avoidance motives was particularly detrimental to the maintenance of relationships over time. Perceptions of a partner's motives for sex were also associated with well‐being. Implications for the conceptualization of sexuality in relationships along these two dimensions are discussed.     

Empathy,sex role orientation,and narcissism

A narcissism model of sex roles was used to examine empathy and other forms of interpersonal reactivity. Questionnaires were administered to 141 males and 232 females sampled from an undergraduate population that was 89% Caucasian and 11% mostly African-American minority. A Peer-Group Dependence measure of narcissistic idealization correlated predictably with femininity, empathy, and a communal orientation; and a Pseudoautonomy measure of narcissistic grandiosity displayed expected linkages with masculinity and Machiavellianism. Multiple regressions confirmed that the self could be defined in terms of both its mature and immature features; and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the narcissism model was somewhat superior to a sex roles model in describing the often complex interrelationships among measures of sex roles, narcissism, and interpersonal reactivity.

     

The development of psychotherapists' theoretical orientation and clinical practice

There is a growing recognition on the part of psychotherapy researchers of the importance of studying therapist variables, recognising that they have a sizeable influence on both therapeutic process and outcome. A model of the development of therapists' theoretical orientation and clinical practice is outlined, based on the integration of data from 161 Portuguese therapists with the extant literature. The selection of initial orientation is addressed, showing that, regarding this choice, therapists from different persuasions appear to emphasise different variables. In terms of changes in the initial theoretical orientation, it seems not only that 'clinical experience' plays a central role, but also that therapists subscribing to different orientations may find different solutions to their theoretical development. Implications and suggestions for improving training are oudined.     

The effects of sex,self gender type,and partner's gender type on interpersonal adjustment during a first encounter: androgynous and stereotypically sex‐typed couples

The present study compared the effects of sex, self gender type, and partner's gender type on interpersonal adjustment during a 5‐min first encounter of androgynous and stereotypically sex‐typed couples. The 52 subjects were assigned to one of four mixed‐sex couple types: sex‐typed male and female (MF); sex‐typed male and androgynous female (MA); androgynous male and sex‐typed female (AF); and androgynous male and female (AA). Questionnaires (the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Iceberg Profile) and subjects' behaviors during the interaction were assessed. These data were analyzed by sex, self gender type and partner's gender type using a 2 × 2 ×2 analysis of variance. Our hypothesis that androgynous individuals may have better interpersonal relationships was supported by some of our findings. Androgynous individuals may have better interpersonal adjustment.     

中学生人际关系发展特点的研究

本研究选取北京、河南、重庆、杭州、新疆五地的11743名从初一到高三中学生作为被试,采用《人际关系量表》,从与异性关系、同性关系、父母关系、教师关系、陌生人关系五个方面对中学生人际关系状况和发展特点做了测查.研究结果表明:(1)中学生人际交往水平从初一到初二明显下降,初三时有大幅度的攀升,高中阶段保持在一个较高的水平上.女生的人际交往水平高于男生.(2)中学生与同伴交往水平较高,与异性同伴的关系要好于与同性同伴的关系;中学生与成人交往水平较低,与陌生成人的关系要好于与父母和教师的关系.(4)初二到初三女生与异性同伴交往水平迅速提高,初三后保持稳定;初二到高一男生与异性同伴交往水平迅速提高,高二后保持稳定;初三到高一,中学生与同性伙伴的交往水平明显提升.(5)初一到初二,中学生与父母和教师的交往水平显著下降,高中生与父母的关系有所改善,但与教师的关系一直处于较低的水平上.随年龄增长,男生与陌生人的交往水平逐渐提高,女生与陌生人的交往发展波动较大,初三和高三水平较高,初二和高一水平较低.     

The impact of child sexual abuse on adult interpersonal functioning: A review and synthesis of the empirical literature

The many studies that have examined the long-term impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) on adult functioning have primarily focused on the personal distress of survivors, largely ignoring the impact of CSA on interpersonal relationships. This article reviews empirical findings concerning the interpersonal distress of survivors as expressed in their intimate and sexual relationships. First, current conceptualizations of the relationship between CSA and interpersonal relationships are reviewed, with a focus on the theoretical models that appear to have implications for the long-term interpersonal sequelae associated with CSA. This is followed by a review of the research conducted on intimacy within the area of social psychology and a summary of the empirical findings related to intimacy functioning in CSA survivors. A hypothesized typology of intimacy functioning for survivors is suggested. The effects of CSA on three components of sexuality—sexual dysfunctions, underlying psychological components of sexuality, and sexual orientation—are discussed. Finally, the interpersonal issues believed to be most salient for CSA survivors in the therapeutic setting are discussed, along with implications for the client–therapist relationship. Methodological, assessment, and conceptual issues are discussed throughout. Recommendations for future research and clinical endeavors are suggested.     

The fundamental need to belong: on the distinction between growth and deficit-reduction orientations

The need for belongingness (the universal need to form and maintain positive, stable interpersonal relationships) has led to much research over the past decade. Although such a need is universal, some qualitative differences exist in its orientation. Specifically, two belongingness need orientations are proposed: a growth orientation (a belongingness need directed toward interpersonal actualization) and a deficit-reduction orientation (a belongingness need directed toward interpersonal deficit reduction or repair). It is hypothesized that a deficit-reduction orientation to the need to belong is associated with lower levels of intrapersonal and interpersonal psychological functioning compared to a growth orientation. The results of a series of four studies supported the proposed hypotheses. Implications of the proposed model for future research on the need to belong are discussed.     

Relationships between climate, process, and performance in continuous quality improvement groups

This study examined relationships between group climate (participants’ learning orientation, feelings of psychological safety, and self-disclosure), process (feedback and conflict), and performance in continuous quality improvement groups. Forty-nine participants in eight hospital groups were surveyed as the groups neared completion. Groups were classified as high or low performing based on interviews with group leaders and facilitators. Ratings of self-disclosure and feelings of psychological safety were related to lower relationship and task conflict and more giving and seeking feedback. Learning orientation was positively related to feedback. Climate and feedback were positively related to creativity of outcomes, while learning orientation and having an active facilitator were related to performance ratings. High performing teams were higher in ratings of learning orientation, facilitation, creativity of outcomes, and overall performance. The results demonstrate the importance of facilitation of learning and interpersonal relationships within structured groups.     

JOB ORIENTATION OF MALES AND FEMALES: ARE SEX DIFFERENCES DECLINING?

Sex differences in job orientation found by Manhardt (1972) were explored to determine if they still exist, or if a trend toward similarity as found in studies on traits and behaviors prevails. Significant sex differences were found on 8 of 25 job characteristics, compared with 11 found by Manhardt. In the original study, factor analysis indicated that males value long-range career objectives while females prefer a comfortable working environment and pleasant interpersonal relationships. This study extracted similar factors which explained twice the variance found in the original. However, sex differences on factor preference were mixed. Further, results show that males are less homogeneous in their preference than are females, a complete reversal of results found previously. Implications for personnel managers in handling differences on job orientation of males and females are discussed.     

Working with Racial Themes in Group Psychotherapy

Racial themes frequently emerge in group psychotherapy but are often unaddressed by therapists. Confusion about the relevance of race to the psychotherapeutic process, countertransferential responses, and a lack of training in how to address racial content contribute to therapists' reluctance. Approaches to addressing racial content in groups are examined. Case examples are used to demonstrate therapist characteristics and perspectives on the group process that create a climate where racial content can be explored. An exploration of the meaning of racial content provides an opportunity for deepened understanding of interpersonal relationships for patients and therapists.     

Relationships of Objective and Projective Dependency Scores to Sex Role Orientation in College Student Participants

Research on the dependency-sex rote orientation relationship indicates that when objective dependency measures are used, participants show positive correlations between dependency and femininity scores, and negative correlations between dependency and masculinity scores. In this study, a mixed-sex sample of 87 undergraduates (47 women and 40 men) completed widely used objective and projective measures of dependency, and a self-report measure of sex role orientation. Consistent with previous studies in this area, high objective dependency scores were associated with high femininity scores and low masculinity scores in participants of both sexes. There were no relationships between projective dependency scores and sex role orientation scores in participants of either sex. Findings are discussed in the context of theoretical frameworks that distinguish implicit dependency needs from "self-attributed" dependency needs. The role that sex role socialization experiences play in determining participants' willingness to acknowledge dependency-related traits and behaviors on self-report tests is also discussed.     

Sex roles,stress, and distress: A study of person by situation contingency

Literature on the relationship between sex roles and adjustment has suggested that masculine traits, rather than the androgynous interaction of masculine and feminine traits, are associated with positive adjustment. Studies with noncollege student populations, however, raise questions as to the generalizability of these findings. Suggestions that sex role traits are associated with particular defensive styles raise the possibility that the sex role-adjustment link is mediated by situational factors. The present study assessed sex role orientation, depression, hostility, and stress in 105 students of nursing. Femininity predicted positive vocational adjustment within the group, masculinity was associated with lower levels of depression, and femininity predicted lower hostility. Within the sex role orientations studied, androgynous nurses reported lower depression and vocational stress than their undifferentiated counterparts. It is suggested that feminine sex roles, promoting an internalization of threat, aid positive adjustment in settings marked by joint instrumental and interpersonal demands.     

Gatekeeping and Homophobia: From Bouncers in Bars to the Macro-social, Interpersonal, and Intrapsychological Practices of Homophobia

There are links between the theoretical construct of gatekeeping and Madureira's conceptualization of homophobia as a boundary phenomenon. The gatekeeping phenomenon exposes the process through which borders and boundaries of social conduct are regulated and maintained. Hence a focus on gatekeeping practices reveals how conduct becomes scrutinized and restricted in crucial gated sites. Following Madureira's model, these gated areas can be identified and analyzed at macro-social, interpersonal, and intrapsychological levels.     

Aversive Conditioning as L'Enfant Terrible: Scientific Findings on Therapists' Preferences and Tolerance

The integration of different theoretical schools in the practice of psychotherapy is a widespread phenomenon, and eclectic therapists make a large part of the subject pool in studies regarding therapeutic approaches. This eclectic trend has its own ideology, and empirical evidence for its efficacy is being investigated. Taking this into account, it seems desirable to study the professional tolerance of therapists toward approaches different from their own. This professional tolerance is investigated in the present study of Israeli psychotherapists holding different theoretical approaches. The vast majority of the subjects chose the psychoanalytic-psychodynamic approach as their preferred theoretical orientation. The therapists' own orientations influenced their selection of the mode of therapy from which they felt most distant (DTM). Thus, most of the psychodynamic therapists chose aversive conditioning and most of the behavioral-cognitive therapists chose classical psychoanalysis (i.e., on the couch) as their DTMs. The readiness of the opponents of classical psychoanalysis to cooperate with an orthodox analyst was significantly higher than the readiness of the opponents of aversive conditioning to cooperate with a therapist identified with this mode of therapy. It is suggested that DTM selection is determined by its extremeness and the orientation of the therapist. The DTM selected determines in turn the therapists' tolerance.     

Relationship of therapists' sex, sex-role, and age to awareness of the salience of gender-related concepts in analogue research: a preliminary finding regarding distribution of therapists by sex-role

In response to speculation that awareness of feminist concerns had made patient analogue studies transparent, the present study was done to estimate the extent and correlates of therapists' awareness of the gender-related characteristics of such a sex-role questionnaire. A national sample of 131 male and 120 female therapists showed that male therapists tend to be sex-typed and female therapists are predominantly androgynous. No significant relationship obtained between the therapists' sex-role and their awareness that this experiment involved gender. The relationship between sex of therapist and awareness only approached significance. Younger therapists tended to be more aware than older ones.     

Revisiting relationships between sex-related variables and continuation in counseling

This study examined the relationships between three sex-related variables (client sex, therapist sex, and dyad matching on sex) and continuation in counseling. 245 college students who were clients at three university counseling centers participated. Consistent with previous studies, women comprised 68.2% of the clients seeking services at these counseling centers. Clients' sex was significantly related to counseling duration, explaining 2.2% of the common variance. Female clients, on the average, attended 1.8 more sessions than male clients. However, neither the therapists' sex nor dyad matching on sex was significantly related to the duration of counseling. None of the sex-related variables correlated with premature termination of counseling. The results have implications for providing counseling and outreach services to male students. Despite relatively equivalent rates in the incidence of mental health problems, female students continue to comprise the majority of clients. Therefore, university counseling centers need to communicate their services better to male students in need of mental health services.