Female “psychopaths” are less likely to wear makeup, a new study found. Scientists suggest this might be due to their “assertiveness” and their lack of need to enhance their appearance for others. Scholars from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, surveyed 1,410 Brazilian women about their use of cosmetics.
Thousands of women were asked about their makeup habits in different situations such as at home, on a first date, in a business meeting, and at the gym. These women then completed surveys to measure their “Dark Triad” traits, which include Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.
The study revealed that women who frequently wore makeup scored highly on the narcissism scale. On the other hand, those who scored highly on the psychopathy scale were less inclined to wear lipstick, eyeliner, and blush, regardless of the context.
According to the study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, researchers observed nuanced behaviors related to makeup application. Dr. Anthonieta Looman Mafra, a postdoctoral researcher from the University of São Paulo, explained that the study highlights a correlation between personality traits and makeup usage but doesn’t imply moral judgments about these traits or makeup habits.
Mafra elaborated that while narcissism was linked to higher makeup usage, psychopathy was associated with lower usage. She stressed that personality traits like charm, persuasiveness, and assertiveness may lead female “psychopaths” to achieve their goals without relying on makeup to shape others’ perceptions.
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A psychopathy test assesses antisocial behavior and traits associated with psychopathy, which is characterized by a lack of empathy, poor behavioral controls, and antisocial tendencies. Although psychopathy isn’t an official diagnosis, doctors use the term “antisocial personality disorder” (ASPD) for official diagnoses according to WebMD.
Dr. Clive Boddy from Anglia Ruskin University suggests that the ratio of male to female psychopathy might be about 1.2:1, which is significantly higher than previously estimated. He explained that psychopathic traits are often attributed to males, but females can also exhibit these traits and may use words rather than violence to achieve their aims.
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Boddy added that female psychopaths might have been underestimated in occurrence, posing a potential threat to businesses and society. This has implications for the criminal justice system and organizational leadership selections, as female leaders may not necessarily be more honest or concerned with corporate social responsibility.
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Dr. Mafra concluded that the reduced need for makeup among female “psychopaths” may be linked to their assertiveness, making them adept at influencing others without enhancements. This insight helps us understand the complex relationship between personality traits and behaviors.
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Female “psychopaths” are less likely to feel the need to enhance their appearance to others, relying more on their inherent charm and assertiveness. Such traits might reduce their reliance on makeup as a tool for social influence.
Dr. Boddy emphasized that recognizing these differences can improve our understanding of female psychopathy, ensuring that our assessments and responses are well-informed and effective in various contexts.
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A reader humorously commented on the findings, “So if you don’t wear makeup you’re a psychopath, and if you do then you’re a narcissist.” This comment underscores the need to approach such findings with a nuanced perspective.
