Researcher Challenges Stereotypes, Finds Female Psychopaths More Prevalent Than Previously Believed

An expert from Anglia Ruskin University in England challenges the common perception of psychopathy as primarily a male trait.

Dr. Clive Boddy asserts that the notion of a six-to-one ratio of male to female psychopaths is misleading, suggesting that female psychopaths are more prevalent than previously believed.

In an upcoming speech, Dr. Boddy will argue that societal biases contribute to the underestimation of female psychopathy. He contends that because psychopathic traits are often associated with masculinity, females displaying such traits may go unrecognized.

Unlike their male counterparts who may resort to violence, female psychopaths tend to manipulate using words, making them less visible within traditional diagnostic frameworks.

Dr. Boddy warns that overlooking female psychopathy poses significant risks to both business and society, challenging assumptions about honesty and empathy, particularly in leadership roles.

He suggests that current risk management strategies and organizational decision-making may be compromised by this oversight.

This issue is further complicated by recent research highlighting structural differences between male and female brains. Stanford University's Dr. Vinod Menon and his team utilized artificial intelligence to analyze MRI scans, revealing distinct brain activity patterns associated with gender.

These differences, particularly in regions regulating emotions and memory, contribute to sex-specific cognitive variations.

Understanding these gender-based neurological disparities is crucial for comprehending the manifestation of psychiatric disorders.

For example, while females are more prone to clinical depression, males are disproportionately affected by substance abuse disorders. Males typically exhibit stronger working memory, whereas females excel in long-term memory tasks.

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Dr. Boddy's research challenges stereotypes surrounding psychopathy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the prevalence of female psychopaths.

Additionally, advancements in neuroscience shed light on the intricate interplay between gender and brain function, offering valuable insights into various aspects of mental health and cognition.