Which statement best illustrates a difference between male and female psychopaths?

• A. Female psychopaths are more likely than male psychopaths to use relational aggression rather than physical violence.
• B. Female psychopaths are typically diagnosed at a much younger age than male psychopaths.
• C. Male psychopaths are more likely than female psychopaths to experience intense guilt after committing crimes.
• D. Male psychopaths are less likely than female psychopaths to engage in manipulative social behaviors.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of psychopathy and how it manifests differently in males and females. Psychopathy is characterized by traits such as lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and antisocial behaviors.
2. Step 2: Recognize that research shows gender differences in the expression of psychopathic behaviors. Male psychopaths often exhibit more overt physical aggression, while female psychopaths tend to use more covert forms of aggression.
3. Step 3: Learn about relational aggression, which involves harming others through manipulation of social relationships, such as gossiping or exclusion, rather than physical violence.
4. Step 4: Compare the options by considering which statement aligns with established psychological findings on gender differences in psychopathy, particularly focusing on the type of aggression used.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement highlighting female psychopaths' greater use of relational aggression compared to male psychopaths' tendency toward physical violence best illustrates a key gender difference in psychopathic behavior.