Female Psychopaths May Be More Common Than Anyone Thought, Research Revealed 

Men are more often associated with psychopathy, but a recent study found that women usually go under the radar, and female psychopaths could be five times more common than we previously believed. Previously, the ratio was thought to be 1:6, but it seems close to 1:1.2, according to Dr. Clive Boddy’s research. 

Gender bias 

Dr. Boddy of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) suggested that women psychopaths “escaped” profiling because previous studies focused primarily on criminal and male profiles. Boddy’s statement confirms there is a gender bias in the public eye and adds that some of the traits, seen as male characteristics, were not labeled correctly among women. 

Some of the psychopathic traits 

While speaking at the Cambridge Festival, Dr. Boddy listed some of the typical traits of psychopaths that were overlooked in women. Those include insincerity, manipulative behaviors, lack of empathy or emotional depth, and seductive behaviors used to achieve their goals.

Words, not violence

Another reason women psychopaths went unnoticed lies in the fact that they use words instead of violence. That’s the main difference between male and female psychopaths. The researcher commented that they are a more significant threat to businesses and society than previously thought. 

Helping the criminal justice system

The doctor, who has been researching the effects of psychopaths in the workplace since 2005, claims that these findings claim that one cannot assume female leaders are more honest or caring. However, Dr. Boddy still believes that psychopathy in women is less severe, though his findings could help the criminal justice system. 

Better understanding 

Since female psychopaths are up to five times more common than previously thought, the findings can help recognize alarming patterns. Women psychopaths tend to be more deceptive and seductive while engaging in impulsivity, irresponsibility, and criminal versatility.  

Psychopathy is often misrepresented

Psychopathy is a condition that is described as the absence of empathy and the blunting of other affective states. Due to detachment and the lack of empathy, psychopaths act manipulative. It is a complex and easy-to-miss disorder, but it is more prevalent than previously thought. 

Is it power-driven?

A 2018 study by Dr. Ryan Murphy at Southern Methodist University in Texas found that most psychopaths in the country live in the District of Columbia. The researcher looked into five traits: extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience in 48 states and D.C. 

New studies 

The field has been fascinating experts for ages, and according to a Canadian study from January 2024, psychopaths have a surprising physical trait. They analyzed the fingers of people with various psychiatric disorders, and those whose index fingers were shorter than their ring fingers were more prone to psychopathy. That does not mean that every person with shorter index fingers is a psychopath. 

Is psychopathy something people are born with?

One of the burning questions is still unanswered. While it is understood that no one was born a psychopath, there are genetic predispositions, like with numerous other disorders. With trauma, violence, and brain structure, it is believed, but not proven, that it can lead to psychopathy. 

Another theory 

Some scientists believe that psychopathy has a strong genetic connection. It is based on the belief that the brain parts involved in emotions don’t fully develop. It is not a simple disorder, and there are believed to be at least four types: narcissistic, borderline, sadistic, and antisocial.

Psychopathic traits are pretty common 

Many people have psychopathic traits, but they are not psychopaths. Researchers think that only 1% have severe psychopathy, while another 30% have some psychopathic traits. Violent psychopaths are often lonely, and it is found to be connected with their violence, recklessness, and impulsivity.

The most famous psychopaths

Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Charles Manson are among the world’s most famous psychopaths. While previous experts suggested that psychopaths have to have high IQ, more recent studies found no correlation between IQ and psychopathy. The area is filled with uncertainty, so studies like Dr. Boddy’s are essential for scientists and regular people who are often offered a water-downed version of this and other disorders. 

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