Which characteristic is associated with antisocial personality disorder?

The characteristic associated with antisocial personality disorder is a lack of empathy and guilt. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit behaviors that disregard the rights and feelings of others, indicating an inability to connect with the emotional experiences of those around them. This lack of empathy can manifest in various antisocial behaviors, including deceitfulness, impulsivity, and aggression, which can result in harmful consequences for others.

In contrast, heightened anxiety and fear are more commonly seen in anxiety disorders rather than in antisocial personality disorder. Emotional instability might be more characteristic of mood disorders, while dependence on relationships is typically related to attachment styles or personality disorders like dependent personality disorder. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the core features of antisocial personality disorder and the absence of empathy as a defining characteristic.