The Manifestation of Psychopathic Traits in Women: An Exploration Using Case Examples

Abstract

The construct of female psychopathy is poorly understood. Progress in this area is hindered by the reliance on male psychopathy conceptualizations and measurement frameworks, and the failure to establish what the construct looks like in females. Case studies are a fundamental step in the development of a clearer female psychopathy conceptualization, yet one that has been neglected in the literature. This article explores the presentation and manifestation of psychopathic traits in two cases of women offenders with high levels of such traits, using two measures of psychopathy: the Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality (CAPP) and the Psychopathy Checklist Screening Version (PCL:SV). Findings are discussed in relation to what is known about psychopathy in women, and in men. Potential implications for clinical practice, including the assessment of psychopathy in women, are considered.

Keywords:

• psychopathy
• female psychopathy
• case study
• CAPP
• PCL:SV

Acknowledgments

This study is part of the doctoral thesis of Mette K. F. Kreis. The research was supported by a Postgraduate Research Studentship and Research Student Travel grant from Glasgow Caledonian University, and research grants from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Research and Development Directorate, and the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland. We thank Clare Neil and three anonymous reviewers for helpful suggestions for improving the manuscript, and Cindy Anderson for assisting with cross ratings.Mette K. F. Kreis is now at NHS Forth Valley, and Section of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh.