When you think of a psychopath, what comes to mind? Many people picture a man, perhaps someone like Ted Bundy or fictional characters like Patrick Bateman. This trend continues when thinking of narcissists, as most examples in society and media lean toward males. Historically, researchers believed women were too caring to possess significant psychopathic or narcissistic traits. However, new studies are revealing a different picture.
Ava Green, a researcher at City St. George’s University of London, notes that while women might display these traits differently, they certainly possess them. This means assessments designed for men may overlook the darker side of women’s personalities.
Many people show minor dark traits, part of what experts call the “dark triad,” comprising psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism, which involves manipulation for power. While only a small percentage have clinical levels of these traits, those with sub-clinical traits can still cause harm. In fact, it’s estimated that about a third of the population has above-average dark traits, leading to selfish and unempathetic behaviors.
Recent research by Antonella Somma at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan explored these traits in nearly 1,000 women. The study found that women with elevated dark traits often display aggression differently than men, preferring tactics like rumor-spreading over direct confrontation.
Narcissism, often considered a male trait, also manifests in women. According to Green, both genders have similar core features of narcissism, such as grandiose fantasies and entitlement, but the expression varies. Women might display a vulnerable form of narcissism, characterized by defensiveness and low self-esteem.
Identifying dark personality traits in women can be tricky. Vulnerable narcissism, linked to relational aggression, often goes unrecognized, as women may act in more covert ways compared to their male counterparts. For example, a female leader with strong narcissistic traits might subtly manipulate situations to her advantage, rather than displaying overt aggression.
Moreover, the diagnostic tools used to assess these traits, like the DSM-5, often overlook female narcissism, focusing instead on grandiose traits typical of men. This misalignment can lead to underdiagnosing or misdiagnosing women, impacting their treatment and understanding in clinical settings.
Green points out that narcissism in women can be as damaging as in men, just expressed differently. “They can create significant issues in workplaces or relationships,” she explains, noting that female leaders might delegate blame to higher-ups while pulling the strings behind the scenes.
As we recognize that women can possess substantial psychopathic traits, it’s essential to refine our understanding and diagnostic measures. Traits like manipulation and charm are often underrepresented in female assessments. For instance, women may use emotional manipulation more than physical intimidation, which complicates how we perceive their behavior.
The traditional measures for evaluating psychopathy often favor male traits, potentially skewing results and leading to a misunderstanding of female behavior. For effective intervention and rehabilitation, it’s crucial we accurately profile these traits in both genders.
Openly discussing the darker aspects of women’s behavior is uncomfortable for many, as it challenges traditional views of femininity. Yet, acknowledging that women can be cruel or flawed is vital for understanding equality. If we confine women to “nurturing” roles, we may inadvertently restrict their opportunities in leadership and other fields.
In summary, both men and women can embody a spectrum of dark personality traits. Recognizing this complexity can lead to better assessments and treatment strategies, ultimately paving the way for a more balanced view of human behavior.
