Examining the effects of rater characteristics and gender biases on ratings of psychopathic traits for women

The construct of psychopathy among women is not fully understood though research suggests females differ from males in prevalence and manifestation. The etiology of these differences is unknown. The current study aimed to establish if varying client presentation is responsible for differences observed. A sample of 1,054 participants completed prototypicality ratings of psychopathy symptoms using the Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality (CAPP; Cooke, Hart, Logan, & Michie, 2012). The participants then rated symptom severity in one of six randomly assigned conditions with vignettes varying by client gender and gender role typical/atypical behaviour. Most of the CAPP items and domains were rated more prototypical of male than female psychopathy. However, there were no differences found for symptom severity ratings between the six vignettes. Gender and behavioural presentation of the client did not affect symptom ratings. The current results suggest that gender biases do not have an influence on ratings of psychopathy.