Online gaming is a separate issue from challenge itself. It is one way to find a challenge, yes, and it is also an outlet for competition, but that's not challenge itself. I think the issue at hand is deeper than the problems caused by an onling gaming community.
That would be interesting. What do you think?
Quantic Foundry did the work of grabbing the data for us, at least. I find myself citing this article every so often.
The #1 and #3 are essentially "puzzle" (I'm not certain why there's a distinction, since there is no "hardcore puzzle" option, so I'm guessing it's all puzzle).
A friend of mine is superb at Vs puzzle games. She stomps me (and her husband) at games like Baku Baku Animal, Magical Drop (though I can hold my own), Landmaker, and Octomania (Puzzle Takoron). She's one of the best IRL opponents I've ever played. And -- if I may be allowed to brag to serve the point -- I'm pretty darn good at Vs puzzle games.
The genres that women enjoy doesn't seem to put any sort of cap or limitation on their desire or their ability to grapple with challenge. Those games can be plenty difficult in their own way.