Antisocial or, more broadly, ethically and socially aversive tendencies can create significant challenges in interpersonal relationships. Aversive behaviors—often accompanied by a lack of remorse—can manifest in various forms such as bullying, cheating in a romantic relationship, (online) trolling, or even domestic violence. Clearly, any of these would pose risks for social relationships.

Whereas individuals with aversive tendencies are known to rationalize their behavior as justified or even necessary, the repercussions on their social environment are often profound. Indeed, the inability to empathize and maintain good relationships with others is a key feature of what clinicians call “personality dysfunction” or “personality pathology.” This type of dysfunction refers to long-term patterns of behavior, thinking, and feelings that cause problems in relationships and daily life. For example, one may suffer from friendships never lasting long or from significant job stress because teamwork often causes severe conflict. More generally, personality dysfunction makes it hard to adapt to different situations, leading to difficulties in functioning socially, at work, or emotionally.

Now, specifically in the case of aversive personality tendencies, placing one’s wants and needs above those of others may initially come with short-term benefits, such as success in business, increased social status, or mere pleasure in the moment. However, these gains frequently come at a cost as time goes by, leading to resentment,

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