Expert Suggests More Women May Be Psychopaths Than Previously Thought
When we think of psychopaths, the image of a suited and booted Patrick Bateman from the novel American Psycho often comes to mind. However, according to Dr Clive Boddy from Anglia Ruskin University, the number of women with this neuropsychiatric disorder could be far greater than previously believed. While psychopaths are typically characterized by a lack of empathy and guilt, antisocial behavior, frequent lying, and ruthlessness, Dr Boddy argues that female psychopaths may exhibit more subtle and less obvious signs of these traits.
Dr Boddy, an expert on psychopaths in the corporate world, suggests that female psychopaths are after money, power, and control just like their male counterparts. However, their behavior tends to be more relational and emotional in nature, often expressed through verbal violence and the spreading of rumors and lies for personal advantage. This subtlety may be one reason why female psychopaths are not recognized as frequently as their male counterparts.
One of the challenges in identifying female psychopaths is that the assessment tools used are skewed towards identifying the disorder in men. The Levenson self-report psychopathy scale (LSRP), for example, focuses heavily on violence and antisocial behavior, which may not capture the more nuanced expressions of psychopathy in women. Additionally, there have been fewer studies on psychopathy in women compared to men, and assessors may be reluctant to label women as psychopaths.
While some estimates suggest a 10:1 ratio of male to female psychopaths, Dr Boddy’s research using only the first part of the LSRP suggests a much different picture. He believes that the ratio is closer to one to one. However, large-scale studies of randomly chosen adults would be necessary to obtain a more definitive understanding.
Recognizing psychopathy in both men and women is crucial, according to Dr Boddy, as these individuals can have a significant impact in the workplace. Employees may be sidelined, abused, and bullied, and businesses led by psychopaths may lose direction. Furthermore, the actions of these individuals can undermine democracy and the rule of law, as people witness the greed, untruthfulness, and ruthlessness of those in positions of power.
To address this issue, Dr Boddy suggests implementing screening tests and psychometric assessments for job applicants, particularly for higher-level positions where individuals have more power and control. By identifying potential psychopathic traits early on, organizations can protect their employees and prevent the negative consequences associated with psychopathic behavior.
In conclusion, the notion that psychopaths are predominantly male may be outdated. Dr Clive Boddy’s research suggests that there may be a significant number of female psychopaths whose behavior is more subtle and less obvious. Recognizing and addressing psychopathy in both men and women is essential to protect employees and maintain the integrity of organizations. By implementing screening measures during the hiring process, businesses can mitigate the negative impact of psychopathic individuals in the workplace.
