Dr. Daniel Amen: Women's brains are superior, and they are wired to be leaders

Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, has conducted the largest gender brain study, analyzing 46,000 brain scans. He concludes that women's brains are superior due to five unique strengths and are dramatically more active in about 85% of the brain. He uses SPECT imaging to visualize brain activity.

Dr. Amen illustrates brain differences with scan examples. Male brains show more activity in the back and are quieter overall, leading to more risky decisions under stress. Female brains, while also active in the back, show much more activity in the prefrontal cortex (for impulse control, planning, judgment) and the limbic system (for emotions), making women great leaders.

Dr. Amen explains that despite male brains being 8-10% larger, female brains are significantly more active in many critical areas, as shown by more red (high activity) in SPECT scans, particularly in the frontal brain. This increased activity contributes to women's leadership abilities.

Dr. Amen identifies five key strengths in women: empathy, appropriate worry, intuition, self-control, and collaboration. He elaborates on why these traits are advantageous.

Empathy is a crucial human skill, more pronounced in women due to a more active prefrontal cortex, aiding understanding and caretaking. Appropriate worry is also a strength; moderate worry can prevent accidents and illnesses, leading to a longer, happier life.

Intuition, rooted in a deep brain area, is more active in women, who also have more brain connections (white matter). This allows them to process more information for decisions, leading to accurate 'gut feelings.' Self-control, another strength, is linked to the active prefrontal cortex in women, resulting in better decision-making and longer lifespans.

Collaboration stems from a larger limbic system in women, promoting bonding and connectedness. Combining these strengths (self-control, collaboration, intuition, appropriate worry) makes women natural leaders. Dr. Amen notes the rising number of women in Congress and emphasizes the importance of utilizing these leadership brains more effectively for societal benefit.