Dysfunctional family dynamics linked to preference for ‘tyrants’ as political leaders, study finds

Correlation found between conflict at home and later recognition of socially undesirable traits as ideal leadership qualities, writes Harry Cockburn

A person who experiences high conflict in adolescence is 20 per cent more likely to prefer a tyrannical model of leadership, the study’s authors said (Getty )

Researchers investigating childhood family environments and how they impact people in later life have found a correlation between high levels of conflict at home and recognising socially undesirable traits as ideal leadership qualities.

The scientists used data collected since 1979 which tracked 130 individuals in the US through various points in their life and asked them questions about a wide range of subjects.

This data, collected as part of the Fullerton longitudinal study, has been analysed by San Francisco State University assistant professor of management Dayna Herbert Walker, who revealed the link.