[Science Saw] – A new study warns that women with this specific trait that is discussed below are more dangerous than men.
Highlights:
- Traditionally, prison studies centered on men, neglecting women. Recently, attention has shifted to understanding female criminality.
- Researchers explored links between specific traits and female criminal behavior.
- 63 incarcerated women, mostly from Portugal were studied, revealing a strong connection between criminal lifestyles and psychopathic traits.
- Psychopathic traits in women may not be overt but can still be harmful, manifesting in manipulation and non-violent tactics like verbal abuse.
- Understanding these traits in female offenders is vital for preventing future violence and misconduct.
- Ways to handle someone with a psychopathic trait.
So, over the years, most studies about people in prison focused mainly on men. However, recently, more attention has been given to understanding why women commit crimes.
Psychopathy and a Criminal Lifestyle
Evident in history, very few women were in prison compared to men, but that is changing. Now, researchers are interested in understanding the lives of women who end up in jail and what leads them to commit crimes.
A group of researchers, led by Marina Pinheiro wanted to understand how certain personality traits and the way someone lives their life might be linked to criminal behavior in women.
They focused on something called “psychopathy,” which involves traits like lacking empathy or feeling bad about doing something wrong.
Also, they also looked at something called a “criminal lifestyle,” which includes being irresponsible, doing whatever one wants, and not following society’s rules.
They studied 63 women who were in jail for different reasons, like drug dealing or other crimes. Most of these women were Portuguese and some were repeat offenders, meaning they had been to jail before.
They filled out surveys about their crimes, how they lived, and their personality traits.
The results showed a strong connection between having a criminal lifestyle and showing signs of psychopathy. In simpler terms, women who behaved irresponsibly and didn’t follow rules tended to have more psychopathic traits.
Specifically, those who had a parasitic lifestyle (depending on others for money or a place to live) showed the strongest link to criminal behavior.
Let’s look at women with a psychopathic trait
Unlike in men, psychopathic traits in women can be less obvious but still harmful. Women with these traits might not show them openly, but they can be very manipulative.
They might not commit violent crimes like men, but they could use indirect means like insults or verbal abuse against people they know.
The researchers say that understanding these traits in women who commit crimes is essential. By recognizing these traits early, it might help prevent violence and other bad behaviors in the future.
However, this study had some limitations. The number of participants was small, so the findings might not be the same if more people were involved.
Also, the level of psychopathy found in these women was lower than what’s been seen in other studies of women in prison.
Psychopathic Trait
Psychopathy is a fascinating topic in psychology that involves a mix of personality traits that cause big problems in how people relate to each other.
At its heart, psychopathy is all about having a certain set of personality traits. These include being charming on the surface, manipulative, lacking empathy or feeling guilty, and often acting impulsively and antisocially.
These traits usually show up early in life and stick around, affecting how a person interacts with others and society as a whole.
When it comes to the brain, research has found some interesting stuff.
Using brain imaging, scientists have seen differences in the brains of people with psychopathy, especially in areas related to emotions, morals and controlling impulses. This helps us understand why they might act the way they do.
The effects of psychopathy aren’t just personal; they ripple out into society.
Psychopaths are more likely to end up in trouble with the law, and when they do, they often keep going back and commit more violent crimes compared to others.
Their talent for trickery and manipulation can cause all sorts of problems, from scamming people out of money to committing serious crimes.
Psychopathy is a complicated subject that affects not just individuals but also society as a whole. So, understanding it better can help us spot it early and maybe even prevent some of the harm it can cause.
Ways to Handle Someone with a Psychopathic Trait.
Dealing with individuals who display psychopathic trait regardless of gender, demands thoughtful consideration and a nuanced approach.
These are some practical strategies tailored for handling situations involving women or men with psychopathic traits:
Make a conscious effort to establish and uphold well-defined personal boundaries. Since psychopathic individuals may try to manipulate or exploit others, having clear boundaries becomes crucial to safeguarding yourself.
Stay Alert and Observant: Be attentive and observant of the individual’s behavior.
Psychopathic traits often involve deceitfulness and manipulation, so staying vigilant for subtle cues can help you identify potential risks or deceptive actions.
Whenever possible, steer clear of unnecessary confrontations. Individuals with psychopathic traits may thrive on conflict and escalate situations.
Choosing your battles wisely is essential, with a focus on prioritizing your safety and well-being.
Guard Personal Information
Exercise caution when sharing personal information.
This is because psychopathic individuals might use your private details against you, emphasizing the importance of limiting the disclosure of sensitive information especially if you sense manipulative behavior.
If faced with a challenging situation, consider seeking advice from mental health professionals or counselors. Their expertise can provide valuable guidance on managing relationships with individuals displaying psychopathic traits.
Build a Support System: Foster a robust support system comprising friends, family or colleagues.
Having a network of supportive individuals can offer both emotional assistance and practical advice when dealing with challenging situations.
Keep a Record of Interactions: Document your interactions, particularly if the person’s behavior is causing distress. Maintaining records can prove valuable if legal or professional intervention becomes necessary.
Prioritize Self-Care
Focus on prioritizing your well-being and engaging in self-care activities.
Dealing with someone who exhibits a psychopathic trait can be emotionally draining, making it crucial to take care of your mental and emotional health.
Invest time in learning more about psychopathy and its characteristics. Understanding the traits associated with psychopathy empowers you to recognize manipulative behaviors and make informed decisions.
Also, in situations where escalation or threats arise, consider involving law enforcement or legal professionals. They can offer guidance on protective measures and legal recourse if required.
These suggestions serve as general guidelines, and the uniqueness of each situation should be acknowledged.
If you suspect someone of having psychopathic traits, seeking personalized advice from mental health professionals or legal experts is crucial for tailored guidance based on specific circumstances.
However, this study gives us a better understanding of how certain personality traits and lifestyles might be connected to criminal behavior in women.
But we need more research with larger groups to be sure about these connections. Still, it’s an important step in understanding and preventing crime among women.