Are Female Psychopaths More Common Than We Think?
Psychopaths: Breaking Gender Stereotypes
When we think of psychopaths, the image of a suited and booted Patrick Bateman from the novel American Psycho may come to mind. However, according to Dr Clive Boddy, a psychopathy expert from Anglia Ruskin University, the number of women with this neuropsychiatric disorder might actually be much higher than previously believed.
Challenging Stereotypes of Psychopathic Behavior
Psychopaths are commonly characterized by a lack of empathy and guilt, as well as manipulative and antisocial behavior. While it has become more widely accepted that psychopaths can be found in corporate environments, the prevailing perception was that they were primarily male.
The Subtle Nature of Female Psychopathy
Boddy argues that female psychopaths exhibit more subtle behaviors, making them less recognizable than their male counterparts. Female psychopaths are reportedly inclined towards expressing violence verbally, engaging in relational and emotional violence rather than physical aggression. Tactics such as spreading rumors and lies for personal gain are common.
The Challenge in Identifying Psychopathy in Women
One of the struggles in accurately identifying female psychopathy lies in the existing assessment tools, such as the Levenson self-report psychopathy scale (LSRP), which are primarily based on studies of male criminals. These tools are not well-suited for identifying psychopathy in women. Furthermore, there has been a lack of research on psychopathy in women, and assessors may be hesitant to label women as psychopaths.
Challenging the Male Dominance: Equal Gender Distribution
Contrary to the commonly accepted 10:1 ratio of male to female psychopaths, Boddy’s research, utilizing the first part of the LSRP, suggests a more equal gender distribution. Based on his work with white-collar workers, Boddy estimates that approximately 12-13% of females display enough psychopathic traits to pose potential problems.
Understanding the Impact
Recognizing psychopathy in both men and women is crucial, as these individuals can have a significant influence in the workplace. They often sideline, abuse, and bully employees, leading to a destabilized work environment. Moreover, businesses led by psychopathic individuals can lose sight of their direction, and the public’s perception of large organizations can be negatively affected as they observe the greed, ruthlessness, and lack of integrity at the top.
The Call for Better Screening Measures
Boddy suggests implementing screening tests, including psychometric assessments, in the hiring process, particularly for senior positions where individuals possess more power and control. This could help protect employees and prevent psychopathic behavior from permeating the workplace.
Join the Discussion at the Cambridge Festival
Dr. Clive Boddy is due to deliver a talk on female psychopaths at the upcoming Cambridge Festival, running from 13-28 March. This festival provides a platform to explore and delve deeper into the intriguing depths of the human psyche.
