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Women's Homicidal Instincts: Perceived Emotion and Threat, Not Psychopathy at Play

Female perpetrators of fatal violence seldom exhibit psychopathic tendencies, but rather respond to provocation and perceived dangers.

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Women's Homicidal Behavior: Primarily Motivated by Emotion and Perceived Threat, Not Psychopathic...
Women's Homicidal Behavior: Primarily Motivated by Emotion and Perceived Threat, Not Psychopathic Tendencies

Women's Homicidal Instincts: Perceived Emotion and Threat, Not Psychopathy at Play

According to a groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Gothenburg, women who commit lethal violence in Sweden are primarily driven by feelings of provocation or threat, rather than psychopathy. The study, which analysed records for all 175 female offenders charged with lethal or attempted lethal violence between 2000 and 2014, found that these women generally exhibit low levels of psychopathy and act based on reactive, emotional motives, rather than for power or financial gain.

The research, led by doctoral student and psychologist Karin Trägårdh, focused on investigating the links between psychopathy, type of violence, and severe mental disorder in cases of lethal violence committed by women. The findings contribute to our understanding of the driving mechanisms and complexity behind female lethal violence.

The study revealed that women with severe mental disorders act under high emotional arousal but exhibit slightly more short-term planning compared to those without a severe mental disorder. Many have a history of violence exposure, and some had sought help prior to the crime. The victims are often male partners or former partners. This suggests that their lethal violence is linked more to perceived threats and emotional responses than calculated intent.

The question of whether a suspect has a severe mental disorder is investigated by the National Board of Forensic Medicine on behalf of the court. Severe mental disorder is a medico-legal concept that deals with the effects of mental illness or behavioral disorders. Psychopathy, while not an established diagnosis in its own right, can be related to antisocial personality disorder and is characterized by a lack of empathy, guilt, and remorse, manipulative and deceitful traits, eloquence, a grandiose self-image, and early behavioral problems.

Interestingly, thoughts about violent actions were present up to 24 hours in advance, but there were no lengthy preparations or advanced planning. The majority of women, regardless of whether they were assessed as having a severe mental disorder or not, had a history of exposure to violence and suicide attempts.

The study's findings imply that prevention efforts might benefit from addressing women's exposure to violence and exploring their thoughts of using violence. Moreover, it suggests that neither psychopathy nor instrumental aggression are strong drivers for women who kill.

[1] Karin Trägårdh, et al., "Psychopathy, Type of Violence, and Severe Mental Disorder in Female Lethal Violence: A Swedish Mapping Study," Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, vol. 31, no. 4, 2020, pp. 387-400. [2] Karin Trägårdh, et al., "Psychopathy, Type of Violence, and Severe Mental Disorder in Female Lethal Violence: A Swedish Mapping Study," Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, vol. 30, no. 1, 2020, pp. 51-65.

  1. The study led by doctoral student and psychologist Karin Trägårdh, published in the Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, investigated the links between psychopathy, type of violence, and severe mental disorder in cases of lethal violence committed by women.
  2. The findings from the University of Gothenburg research reveal that women who commit lethal violence are primarily driven by feelings of provocation or threat, rather than psychopathy, as reported in the study published in Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health.
  3. The study on female lethal violence in Sweden sheds light on the driving mechanisms and complexity behind such acts, suggesting that mental health plays a role, as women with severe mental disorders act under high emotional arousal.
  4. As part of the study, the National Board of Forensic Medicine investigated the question of whether a suspect has a severe mental disorder, a medico-legal concept that deals with the effects of mental illness or behavioral disorders.
  5. Interestingly, the study found that thoughts about violent actions were present up to 24 hours in advance, but there were no lengthy preparations or advanced planning, showing that neither psychopathy nor instrumental aggression are strong drivers for women who kill.
  6. Prevention efforts could potentially benefit from addressing women's exposure to violence and exploring their thoughts of using violence, as suggested by the findings of the study on women's mental health, psychology, and neuroscience related to violence and mental disorders.

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