10 Effects of Antisocial Personality Disorder in Relationships

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Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is one of the types of social disorder. It is a mental health condition that affects a person’s ability to empathize with others and adhere to societal norms. 

It is estimated that 3% of the general population has this disorder, and individuals with ASPD can experience difficulties in maintaining healthy and fulfilling romantic relationships. 

Let’s explore how does mental health affect relationships, especially the effects of ASPD in romantic relationships, including a lack of emotional connection, dishonesty and manipulation, impulsivity and risk-taking behavior, and a disregard for the needs and feelings of their partner. 

We will also discuss potential treatment options and strategies for coping with these challenges.

How does personality affect romantic relationships?

Personality is a crucial factor that plays a significant role in romantic relationships. Different personality traits can either positively or negatively impact the relationship’s quality, duration, and satisfaction level. Here are some ways in which personality affects romantic relationships:

1. Communication style

Personality traits such as openness and extroversion can positively impact communication between partners.

On the other hand, a study suggests that individuals with neuroticism or introversion may struggle to communicate their feelings or needs effectively, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.

Related Reading: 10 Common Causes of Misunderstanding and How to Solve Them

2. Emotional stability

People who are emotionally stable and have low levels of anxiety tend to have more satisfying and stable relationships.

In contrast, those who experience emotional instability, such as high levels of anxiety or depression, may struggle to maintain a healthy relationship due to their emotional volatility.

Related Reading: How to Be Emotionally Stable in a Relationship: 15 Ways

3. Trust

Trust is a crucial element in any relationship, and personality traits such as honesty, integrity, and reliability are essential for building and maintaining trust between partners.

Individuals with personality disorders such as narcissism, borderline personality disorder, or antisocial personality disorder in relationships may struggle with trust issues and can be manipulative, deceitful, or untrustworthy.

Related Reading: The Importance of Trust and the Science Behind It

4. Conflict resolution

How partners handle conflicts and disagreements can significantly impact the health of the relationship.

Individuals with agreeable personalities tend to be more cooperative and accommodating, which can facilitate peaceful conflict resolution.

Conversely, people with high levels of neuroticism or hostility may struggle to manage conflicts effectively, leading to escalating arguments and tension in the relationship.

Related Reading: The Five Elements of Conflict in Relationships

5. Attachment style

Attachment styles are patterns of behavior and beliefs regarding how people form and maintain relationships with others.

Different attachment styles, such as secure, anxious, or avoidant, can significantly impact how individuals approach romantic relationships.

People with a secure attachment style tend to be more trusting, supportive, and committed to their partners.

In contrast, individuals with anxious or avoidant attachment styles may struggle with intimacy, commitment, and communication in their relationships.

6. Compatibility

Personality traits can impact how compatible partners are with each other. For instance, individuals with similar personalities, interests, values, and goals may have an easier time relating to each other and maintaining a long-term relationship.

Conversely, partners with conflicting personalities, interests, or goals may struggle to find common ground and may experience more conflict and dissatisfaction in their relationship.

Related Reading: 10 Strong Signs of Compatibility in Relationships

7. Sexual satisfaction

Openness can positively impact sexual satisfaction in romantic relationships.

In contrast, individuals with low levels of openness, high levels of neuroticism, or low levels of emotional stability may struggle to enjoy a fulfilling sexual relationship with their partner.

8. Commitment

As the study suggests, personality traits such as conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability are essential for building and maintaining long-term commitment in a relationship.

Individuals with commitment issues may struggle with attachment, intimacy, and communication, leading to a cycle of short-term relationships.

10 effects of antisocial personality disorder in relationships

So, what effect can personality disorders have on relationships? Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a lack of empathy, disregard for social norms and rules, and impulsive and irresponsible behavior. 

Individuals with ASPD in relationships can experience difficulties in maintaining healthy and fulfilling romantic relationships due to the following ten effects:

1. Lack of emotional connection

Individuals with ASPD in relationships may struggle to form emotional bonds with their partners due to their lack of empathy and emotional detachment. 

They may appear indifferent or callous towards their partner’s feelings, needs, and desires, which can create a sense of emotional distance in the relationship. This lack of emotional connection can make their partner feel neglected, unloved, or unsupported, leading to dissatisfaction and conflict in the relationship.

2. Dishonesty and manipulation

Individuals with ASPD may use deceit, manipulation, or charm to control their partner and get what they want.

According to Christiana Njoku, a licensed professional counselor:

A relationship characterized by a controlling partner is a gateway to experience manipulation and deception by the other partner.

They may lie, cheat, or steal without remorse or guilt, leading to a breach of trust in the relationship. This behavior can cause their partner to feel used, betrayed, or disrespected, leading to feelings of anger, frustration, or resentment.

3. Impulsivity and risk-taking behavior

Individuals with ASPD may engage in impulsive and risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, gambling, or reckless driving, which can endanger themselves and their partners. 

They may disregard the consequences of their actions, leading to legal or financial problems that can strain the relationship. Their partner may feel helpless or frustrated by their behavior, leading to a breakdown in communication and trust.

4. Aggression and violence

Individuals with ASPD may display aggressive or violent behavior towards their partner, such as physical or verbal abuse. 

They may feel entitled to control or dominate their partner, leading to a cycle of fear, intimidation, and abuse in the relationship. This behavior can cause their partner to feel unsafe or traumatized, leading to long-lasting emotional and psychological damage.

5. Infidelity

Individuals with ASPD may engage in extramarital affairs or casual sex without regard for their partner’s feelings or the consequences of their actions. 

They may use sex as a means of manipulation or self-gratification, leading to a breach of trust in the relationship. This behavior can cause their partner to feel betrayed, hurt, or jealous, leading to feelings of resentment and conflict.

Related Reading: 15 Most Common Causes of Infidelity in Relationships

6. Lack of empathy

Individuals with ASPD may struggle to understand or appreciate their partner’s emotions or perspectives. 

As a relationship coach, Christiana Njoku noted that:

Couples who are in tune with their emotions in a relationship can easily understand themselves.

They may dismiss or minimize their partner’s feelings, leading to a sense of invalidation or neglect in the relationship. This behavior can cause their partner to feel unheard, unappreciated, or isolated, leading to feelings of loneliness and despair.

Related Reading: 10 Ways on How to Cope With Lacking Empathy in Relationships

7. Inability to compromise

Individuals with ASPD may have difficulty compromising or negotiating with their partners. They may feel entitled to have their way, leading to a power struggle in the relationship. This behavior can cause their partner to feel powerless, frustrated, or resentful, leading to feelings of conflict and dissatisfaction.

8. Inability to take responsibility

Individuals with ASPD may struggle to take responsibility for their actions or mistakes. They may blame others or external factors for their problems, leading to a lack of accountability in the relationship. 

This behavior can cause their partner to feel frustrated, invalidated, or resentful, leading to a breakdown in communication and trust.

9. Difficulty expressing emotions

Individuals with ASPD in relationships may struggle to express their emotions or needs effectively. They may have a limited emotional range, leading to a sense of emotional distance in the relationship. 

This behavior can cause their partner to feel misunderstood, disconnected, or unloved, leading to feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.

10. Disregard for social norms

Individuals with ASPD may disregard social norms and conventions, such as punctuality or social etiquette, which can cause conflict and tension in the relationship. They may also engage in criminal or unethical behavior, such as stealing or lying, which can lead to legal or financial problems and damage the relationship’s reputation. 

This behavior can cause their partner to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or disappointed, leading to feelings of conflict and distrust.

Treatment of Antisocial Personality Disorder in relationships

Treatment for ASPD often involves psychotherapy, medication, and behavioral interventions to help individuals develop empathy, impulse control, and social skills. It is important to note that not all individuals with ASPD seek treatment, and even with treatment, the disorder can be challenging to manage. 

Therefore, if you’re dating someone with antisocial personality disorder, it is crucial for partners of individuals with ASPD to set boundaries, practice self-care, and seek couples counseling from professionals.

This video describes complicating factors related to treating antisocial personality disorder. 

Some commonly asked questions

These questions on Antisocial Personality Disorder in relationships will help you further understand the concept better:

• What personality disorder avoids relationships?

Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) tend to avoid social interaction and close relationships due to their fear of rejection, criticism, or embarrassment. They may be hypersensitive to negative feedback or perceived slights, leading them to withdraw from social situations and isolate themselves from others. 

This fear of rejection and criticism can make it difficult for individuals with AvPD to form and maintain healthy romantic relationships, as they may struggle with intimacy, vulnerability, and trust. 

Treatment for AvPD often involves psychotherapy, medication, and behavioral interventions to help individuals overcome their social anxiety and improve their social skills.

• Do people with antisocial personality disorder have difficulty sustaining relationships?

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) in relationships often have difficulty sustaining healthy and fulfilling relationships due to their lack of empathy, disregard for social norms and rules, and impulsive and irresponsible behavior. 

So, can someone with antisocial personality disorder love?

Well, they may struggle to form emotional connections with their partners, engage in dishonesty and manipulation, display aggressive or violent behavior, engage in risky and impulsive behaviors, and lack the ability to compromise or take responsibility. 

This can lead to a breakdown in communication, trust, and intimacy in the relationship, making it challenging for individuals with ASPD to sustain long-term, healthy relationships. 

Treatment for ASPD may involve psychotherapy, medication, and behavioral interventions to improve social skills and impulse control.

In a nutshell

Antisocial Personality Disorder can have a significant impact on romantic relationships. 

People with Antisocial Personality Disorder traits may struggle to form emotional connections, engage in dishonesty and manipulation, display aggression and violence, engage in risky and impulsive behaviors, lack empathy, compromise or take responsibility, and disregard social norms. 

These effects can lead to a breakdown in communication, trust, and intimacy, making it challenging for individuals with ASPD to sustain healthy and fulfilling relationships. 

Treatment for ASPD may involve psychotherapy, medication, and behavioral interventions to improve social skills and impulse control, and partners may require support and assistance to maintain their well-being and the health of the relationship.