Many of us have found ourselves wondering about the people around us. That friend who seems too charming, the colleague who always wins at office politics, or even a romantic partner whose motivations are unclear—could any of them be hiding a darker streak? Psychopathy is one of those terms that sparks both fascination and fear. People with high psychopathic traits can be charismatic, strategic, and shockingly good at hiding their true nature.
But according to psychologist Susan Krauss Whitbourne, there may be a subtle clue hiding in plain sight: the way someone carries themselves. That’s right—body language, posture, and the seemingly small details of how someone occupies space could reveal more than you think.
It might sound surprising, even a little like reading tea leaves, but research suggests there is a connection between the way we hold our bodies and the kind of personalities we develop. And for those with psychopathic tendencies, certain physical cues might give them away.
Read more: Think You Might Be a Little Psychic? These Signs Say Yes
The McGill Study: A Strange but Fascinating Experiment
Whitbourne, a former professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has long written about psychopathy and its impact on relationships. She highlighted a study from McGill University in Canada that attempted to map personality traits onto physical behavior.
The study involved 608 adults who were asked to assume different poses. Researchers then analyzed the participants’ body language and compared it with psychological profiles assessing traits like manipulativeness, competitiveness, and dominance.
The results revealed some unexpected patterns. People who naturally adopted large, open poses—stretching, leaning back confidently, or taking up a lot of space—were more likely to show traits associated with psychopathy. These traits included not just self-confidence, but a tendency toward manipulation, competitiveness, and a belief that social hierarchies exist for a reason, with themselves comfortably near the top.
Whitbourne explains that this doesn’t mean every confident person is a psychopath. Rather, it highlights a tendency: those who habitually assert their presence physically may also assert themselves socially in ways that can cross ethical or emotional boundaries.
What Posture Might Say About Self-Esteem
On the flip side, the study also found that people who slouched, fidgeted, or shifted their stance repeatedly were more likely to have lower self-esteem. Their bodies broadcasted uncertainty, discomfort, and a lack of confidence—traits that don’t typically align with psychopathy.
Interestingly, another pattern emerged: participants with perfectly straight, rigid posture were sometimes linked with less agreeable personality traits. While not necessarily psychopathic, these individuals often appeared less approachable or more controlling. It seems that body language can tell a surprisingly nuanced story about the mind, revealing subtle hints about confidence, self-image, and social strategy.
Whitbourne summarized the findings by noting that “the McGill study provides a striking example of the link between body and mind, and ways you can use a person’s bodily cues to understand their mind.” In other words, even when words fail or intentions are hidden, our bodies rarely lie entirely.
Read more: 8 Things Extroverts Say to Introverts That Are Actually Way More Offensive Than They Think
Why This Matters in Real Life
So, how can this knowledge be useful outside the lab? For one, it might help you spot red flags in social interactions. While posture alone can’t diagnose someone as a psychopath, it can provide context for behavior. A person who constantly dominates conversations, spreads out physically, and seems to regard others as tools may be signaling patterns worth noting.
This isn’t about becoming paranoid or overanalyzing every gesture. Instead, it’s about learning to read subtle cues in everyday life—something humans have done instinctively for thousands of years. In social situations, our brains pick up on nonverbal signals automatically, even if we’re not consciously aware of them. The McGill study simply gives scientific backing to a skill humans have long relied on: observing body language.
The Complicated Reality of Relationships with Psychopathic Partners
Understanding psychopathy becomes even more complicated when we consider romantic relationships. Whitbourne revisited this topic recently in Psychology Today, exploring whether a long-term relationship with someone high in psychopathic traits could ever be beneficial.
The answer, unsurprisingly, is nuanced. Research generally agrees that romantic partnerships with highly psychopathic individuals are emotionally challenging. Traits like impulsivity, cold-heartedness, and manipulativeness can erode trust and create long-term stress. However, a 2025 study by Aaron Hissey and colleagues at Victoria University of Wellington revealed a curious twist.
The study surveyed 490 long-term couples in New Zealand, examining both relationship satisfaction and work-life outcomes. Partners with psychopathic traits were assessed on three main dimensions: fearless dominance, impulsivity, and emotional coldness. As expected, the emotional toll on their significant others was often negative. But an unexpected “spillover effect” emerged: those in relationships with coldhearted partners sometimes experienced higher occupational prestige.
Whitbourne interprets this as an indirect influence of the partner’s ambitious, risk-taking nature. Being exposed to someone unafraid to go after what they want may encourage their partner to adopt a more assertive, goal-oriented approach in their professional life. While this is hardly a recommendation to date a psychopath for career growth, it does highlight the complexity of human behavior and the sometimes-surprising ways influence travels between people.
The Takeaway: Awareness Without Paranoia
What does all this mean for the average person trying to navigate friendships, workplaces, and relationships? First, it emphasizes that psychopathy is rarely obvious. Those with the highest levels of these traits are often skilled at hiding their true intentions.
Second, subtle cues—like posture, how someone occupies space, or the confidence they project—can offer hints about their personality. While not conclusive on their own, these cues can help you make more informed decisions about trust and boundaries.
Finally, it shows that human behavior is rarely one-dimensional. Even individuals with traits that are emotionally challenging in private life might display behaviors that inspire confidence, competitiveness, or ambition in others. Human interactions are messy, unpredictable, and layered, and understanding this complexity helps us navigate relationships more wisely.
Body Language as a Window Into the Mind
The broader lesson here may be that the body and mind are deeply intertwined. Psychologists have long studied the ways in which our physical presentation reflects our mental state. Open, dominant poses often signal confidence, assertiveness, and sometimes a desire to control others. Slouched, hesitant movements may indicate insecurity or social discomfort. And, as the McGill study suggests, rigid posture can hint at personality traits that aren’t necessarily positive.
By observing these cues thoughtfully, we can gain subtle insights into a person’s character, intentions, and social style. It’s a reminder that humans communicate constantly—through words, expressions, gestures, and the very way we move through the world.
A Cautious Curiosity
Ultimately, spotting a psychopath isn’t about labeling someone or predicting their every move. It’s about cultivating awareness, understanding the nuances of human behavior, and noticing patterns that might otherwise go unrecognized. Whether in friendships, workplaces, or romantic relationships, these insights can help guide decisions, set boundaries, and even protect emotional well-being.
Whitbourne’s work encourages curiosity paired with caution. We can observe, reflect, and learn from the subtle cues people give off, without jumping to conclusions or letting suspicion rule our lives. Even difficult or challenging individuals can teach lessons—about ambition, assertiveness, and navigating complex human relationships.
In the end, the story of psychopathy isn’t just about danger or intrigue; it’s about understanding the intricate dance between body and mind, presence and intention, and the ways people reveal themselves—even when they think they are hiding.
Featured image: Freepik.
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