In films, psychopaths are typically portrayed as men — think Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho” or the Joker in “The Dark Knight.” A rare exception is Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer in the hit series “Killing Eve.”
A university team surveyed 492 adult men and women to explore the connection between emotional functioning and the “dark triad.” Further analysis found that higher levels of alexithymia and anhedonia were linked to psychopathy — but only in women.
Alexithymia, or emotional blindness, is characterized by an inability to understand one’s own emotions. Anhedonia, on the other hand, is marked by a near-total lack of pleasure, motivation, and interest.
“These associations are not the same across genders: they are clearly present in women, while absent in men. This difference can be explained by biological (hormonal and neuroendocrine) factors, sociocultural influences related to gender roles, and various methods of emotional regulation,” the authors wrote.
To recap, the dark triad refers to three personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Narcissism involves an inflated sense of self-importance. Machiavellianism is the tendency to manipulate, deceive, and pursue personal interests. Psychopathy is associated with impulsivity, a lack of empathy, and a disregard for other people’s feelings.
Previous studies have identified links between the dark triad and several character traits, including hostility toward animals, humiliation of others, and loneliness. However, the connection between dark traits and emotional dysfunction has remained unclear.
A paper in the journal Behavioural Sciences says the dark triad is traditionally associated with external behavior (shifting responsibility for one’s life onto external circumstances) and a lack of empathy. However, the paper adds, “new data suggest that these traits are also linked to internal emotional vulnerability.”
What Explains the Differences in Female Psychopathy?
Thus, in women, unlike in men, dark triad traits were closely associated with emotional dysfunction, specifically alexithymia and anhedonia. The reasons for this discrepancy are not fully understood. To explain it, the authors proposed three main theories.
First, biological factors may play a role. “Testosterone, which is typically higher in men than in women, is associated with traits such as dominance, impulsivity, and risk-taking,” the authors wrote.
The second factor may be sociocultural influences tied to gender roles and expectations. The third explanation focuses on emotional regulation. “Women with pronounced psychopathic traits often have a history of emotional disorders or early trauma and tend to exhibit more marginal personality traits than men,” the authors wrote.
What Do Other Scientists Think About This?
The new analysis was published shortly after a study by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (UK) suggested that female psychopaths are more common than we think — scientists have simply “struggled to identify them for a long time.”
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Dr. Clive Boddy, co-author of that study, confirmed that the signs of psychopathy in women differ from those in men.
“Psychopaths are driven by a need to exert power over others and control them using any available resources. In male psychopaths, this may manifest as physical dominance through violence, bullying, and threats. In female psychopaths, it often takes the form of manipulation through seduction, relational aggression, spreading rumors, and lying about others for personal gain and advantage,” Dr. Boddy explained.
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