Pyschopathy is reported at higher rates in men. It does occur in both genders, but why is there a difference? What could be the cause?
Socialization
"The primary traits of psychopathy are anithetical to female socialization" (Patrick 416).
At a young age, boys and girls are encouraged to engage in different behaviors. Internalizing and prosocial affect are encouraged in young girls, but not as much in young boys (Patrick, 2007).
The way socialization affects each gender differently could enhance psychopathic traits in boys and inhibit them in girls.
Biology
But it could go back even further than that, to infancy, and be a biological difference.
During infancy, boys show higher levels of activity and more impulsivity; girls show more stress reactivity and behavior inhibition (Patrick, 2007).
Appearing this early in life, there could be a biological difference that affects the rates and manifestation of psychopathy in women.
Sex biases in diagnoses
The PCL-R is the main measurement used to assess psychopathy.
It is a 2-factor model; factor 1 captures the personality components of psychopathy while factor 2 captures the behavioral components.
Because of socialization, women may not show as many factor 2 traits, so the PCL-R may not be as valid across genders to assess psychopathy (Patrick, 2007).
There are also items on the PCL-R that may be judged differently for men versus women.
For example, in an article on Aileen Wuornos by Myers, Gooch & Meloy (2005), evidence for Aileen's promiscuous behavior on the PCL-R is her history of sex work. This could be contested; engaging in prostitution does not necessitate promiscuity. The motivation behind her behavior must be examined.
This is one example of how a rater bias could affect women differently than men.
Socialization, bias of the rater or measure used, along with a possible biological component, all suggest that psychopathy may manifest differently in women and may not be properly assessed.
Revision to the PCL-R for a gender specific test could include emphasis on factor 1 traits, and the tailoring of some items to be more gender specific.
Socialization
"The primary traits of psychopathy are anithetical to female socialization" (Patrick 416).
At a young age, boys and girls are encouraged to engage in different behaviors. Internalizing and prosocial affect are encouraged in young girls, but not as much in young boys (Patrick, 2007).
The way socialization affects each gender differently could enhance psychopathic traits in boys and inhibit them in girls.
Biology
But it could go back even further than that, to infancy, and be a biological difference.
During infancy, boys show higher levels of activity and more impulsivity; girls show more stress reactivity and behavior inhibition (Patrick, 2007).
Appearing this early in life, there could be a biological difference that affects the rates and manifestation of psychopathy in women.
Sex biases in diagnoses
The PCL-R is the main measurement used to assess psychopathy.
It is a 2-factor model; factor 1 captures the personality components of psychopathy while factor 2 captures the behavioral components.
Because of socialization, women may not show as many factor 2 traits, so the PCL-R may not be as valid across genders to assess psychopathy (Patrick, 2007).
There are also items on the PCL-R that may be judged differently for men versus women.
For example, in an article on Aileen Wuornos by Myers, Gooch & Meloy (2005), evidence for Aileen's promiscuous behavior on the PCL-R is her history of sex work. This could be contested; engaging in prostitution does not necessitate promiscuity. The motivation behind her behavior must be examined.
This is one example of how a rater bias could affect women differently than men.
Socialization, bias of the rater or measure used, along with a possible biological component, all suggest that psychopathy may manifest differently in women and may not be properly assessed.
Revision to the PCL-R for a gender specific test could include emphasis on factor 1 traits, and the tailoring of some items to be more gender specific.
References:
Myers, C. M., Gooch, E., Meloy, J. R. (2005). The Role of Psychopathy and Sexuality in a Female Serial Killer. J Forensic Sci, 50(3), 1-6.
Patrick, C. J. (2007). The Handbook of Psychopathy. New York: Guilford Press.
Myers, C. M., Gooch, E., Meloy, J. R. (2005). The Role of Psychopathy and Sexuality in a Female Serial Killer. J Forensic Sci, 50(3), 1-6.
Patrick, C. J. (2007). The Handbook of Psychopathy. New York: Guilford Press.