Abstract
This study aims to investigate the relationship between risky sexual behavior (RSB) and psychopathy in a non-clinical sample of 714 Hong Kong adults, shedding light on sex differences. Our findings reveal that males exhibit significantly higher mean levels of RSB (general, penetrative, and nonpenetrative), as well as egocentric (Factor 1) and callous (Factor 3) traits of psychopathy, along with increased sexual desire compared to females. Regression analyses indicate that elevated levels of antisociality (Factor 2) and callousness (Factor 3) traits of psychopathy, along with sexual desire, emerge as significant risk factors for engaging in general, penetrative, and nonpenetrative RSB. Intriguingly, higher age and being in a long-term relationship are associated with RSB. The implications of this study suggest potential avenues for reducing, if not entirely preventing, the inclination to engage in RSB in the presence of psychopathic traits.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 94 |
| Journal | Behavioral Sciences |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 27 Jan 2024 |
Bibliographical note
The first author disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this manuscript: This research was supported by City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR (7004958(SS)) with funding provided to the author.Keywords
- young adults
- risky sexual behavior
- psychosocial risk factors
- psychopathic traits
- psychopathy
- Hong Kong