Recruitment Announcement
Project Title: Understanding the Experiences and Impact in Intimate Partners of Psychopathic Individuals
Hello, my name is Sara, and I am a PhD student in the Department of Psychology at Carleton University. My thesis is being supervised by Dr. Adelle Forth.
What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the experiences and impact of being in a romantic relationship with someone with perceived psychopathic traits.
Who are we looking for to participate?
We are looking for participants 18 years or over who identify as being in a former relationship with someone who may have psychopathic traits. See below for typical traits associated with a psychopathic individual and consider if your partner may have exhibited these traits. Participants should not be involved in ongoing litigations or regular interactions with a psychopathic individual.
Psychopathy consists of a specific set of personality traits and behaviours. Superficially charming, psychopaths tend to make a good first impression on others and often strike observers as remarkably normal. Yet they are self-centered, dishonest, and undependable, and at times they engage in impulsive and irresponsible behavior for no apparent reason other than the sheer fun of it. Largely devoid of guilt, empathy, and love, they have casual and callous interpersonal and romantic relationships. Psychopaths routinely offer excuses for their reckless and often outrageous actions, placing blame on others instead
What will I be asked to do?
You will be asked to complete questionnaires that measure anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. There are also questions that ask about your experiences of harm, such as emotional, physical and financial harm (defined as the illegal or improper use of an individual’s resources by another person without their informed consent or through the exercise of undue pressure) and the effects of being involved with the individual you perceived to have psychopathic traits. In addition, there are questionnaires asking you about your personality features, your past history, resilience, coping, and social supports. You will be asked to rate the severity of psychopathic traits in your current/former romantic partner. The study will take about 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
For those who have experienced financial harm from their romantic relationship, you will have the option of participating in an online interview that focuses on the effects of financial harm.
What are the risks?
The current study asks participants about sensitive topics which may be upsetting or triggering. There are questions that ask about if you experienced any emotional, physical violence, financial harm, or sexual harm. Please do not participate if you are concerned that your participation will put you at risk in the context of a former abusive relationship.
What is the compensation?
Participation in the current study is strictly voluntary (there will be no incentive or cash participation for the study).
How do I participate?
If you are interested in participating, please follow the link to our secure online survey.
Any questions about the study?
If you would like more information about this study, please email: financialharmstudy@gmail.com. Note that agreement to be contacted or request for more information does not obligate you to participate in this study.
Resources for Support, and Where You Can Learn More
For self-help resources for mental health
https://cmha.ca/brochure/anxiety-disorders/
https://cmha.ca/find-info/mental-health/general-info/
If you are in acute distress:
Please visit crisisservicescanada.ca for local distress centers and crisis organizations near you or call 1-833-456-4566/text 4564. If you are in immediate danger from self or others, please call 911.
Information for those impacted by psychopathy
Aftermath: Surviving Psychopathy: A non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and support for victims of psychopathy (https://aftermath-surviving-psychopathy.org).
If you want to learn more about psychopathy:
Hare, R. D. (1999). Without conscience: The disturbing world of the psychopaths among us. Guilford Press.
PsychopathyIS: A non-profit organization providing information about what psychopathy is and how it can be dealt with (https://psychopathyis.org)
This research has been cleared by Carleton University Research Ethics Board-B (Clearance #116257) on date: March 7, 2022
