A study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science suggests that men who display psychopathic traits may be perceived as more attractive to women, particularly in the context of short-term romantic encounters.
Led by researchers Kristopher Brazil and Adelle Forth, the study found that these men often leave a favorable impression even when their physical appearance is controlled for.
Psychopathy is typically linked to qualities such as superficial charm, inflated self-confidence, and manipulative tendencies.
The study indicates they can project qualities that people usually value in a partner — like honesty, warmth, and agreeableness — through deceptive charm that hides their less appealing traits.
The researchers note that this effect is most evident in short-term mating scenarios, where boldness and confidence can easily be mistaken for genuine strength and charisma. While these behaviors might trigger concerns in a long-term partner, they can be misinterpreted as exciting or attractive during brief encounters.
Ultimately, the findings highlight how social skills and charm associated with psychopathy can temporarily mask negative personality traits, making these individuals seem more appealing than they really are — at least at first.
