ABSTRACT

Two studies examining adult women are presented. The first (n = 162) examined the relationship between proclivity (i.e., interest in, predisposition) to abuse animals and the link to aggression motivation, with psychopathy traits, sadism, and general maladaptive personality explored. The second study (n = 159) extended to focus on callous-unemotional traits. We predicted that proclivity to abuse would be associated with increased proactive aggression, with the former also associated with higher levels of psychopathy, sadism, and callousness. These traits were expected to mediate the relationship between proclivity to abuse and aggression. Results confirmed that between one- to two-thirds of women reported at least some proclivity to abuse animals. An association between proclivity and proactive aggression was demonstrated, with callousness-uncaring and sadism representing important traits to account for. Results are discussed with attention to the implications for developing a theoretical understanding of the proclivity to abuse animals.

摘要

介绍了两项检查成年女性的研究。第一个（n  = 162）研究了虐待动物的倾向（即对虐待动物的兴趣，倾向）与攻击动机之间的关系，并探讨了精神病特征、虐待狂和一般适应不良的人格。第二项研究（n = 159）扩展到关注冷酷无情的特质。我们预测，虐待倾向与主动攻击性增加有关，前者还与更高水平的精神病、虐待狂和冷酷无情有关。预计这些特征将调节虐待倾向和攻击性之间的关系。结果证实，三分之一到三分之二的女性报告至少有虐待动物的倾向。证明了倾向和主动攻击之间的关联，冷酷无情和虐待狂代表了需要解释的重要特征。讨论结果时注意对发展虐待动物倾向的理论理解的意义。