Serial Killer Research Paper

“Serial killers are human black holes; they scare us because they mirror us,” spoke Shirley Lynn Scott, known author and psychologist. This stands true throughout history, as most serial killers blend in with society. Serial killing is formally defined by the FBI as “a series of three or more killings, having common characteristics such as to suggest the reasonable possibility that the crimes were committed by the same actor or actors.” But what exactly drives someone to kill another human being? What plays as a more drastic motivator for their actions, nature or nurture?

     Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, Mark Allen Smith, Richard Chase, Ted Bundy-the list goes on and on. These five men alone have been responsible for at least ninety deaths, and many suspect that their victims may total twice that number. They are serial killers, the most feared and hated of criminals. What deep, hidden secret makes them lust for blood? What can possibly motivate a person to kill over and over again with no guilt, no remorse, no hint of human compassion? What makes a serial killer?

In order to understand how serial killers are affected by social changes, one must understand their psyche. A serial killer is "sexually motivated but the underlying reason is power" (Newton 197). The killer wants power over his victims. Serial killing, itself, is a "distinctly modern phenomenon, a product of relatively recent social and cultural conditions to which criminologists can provide fresh insight by accentuating the broad institutional frameworks, motivations, and opportunity structures within which serial killing occurs" (Haggerty and Ellerbrok 6).  According to John E. Douglas, co-author of Mindhunters, the reason that murders committed by serial killers, at first blush, seem to be senseless crimes is because serial killers are often "motivated by a strong emotional feeling" (Dokterman), such as hate, vengeance, or regret. FBI agents have identified domination,

The question of whether or not man is predetermined at birth to lead a life of crime is a question that has been debated for decades. Are serial killers born with the lust for murder, or are their desires developed through years of abuse and torment? Many believe it is impossible for an innocent child to be born with the capability to commit a horrible act such as murder. But at the same time, how could we have corrupted society so much as to turn an innocent child into a homicidal maniac? Forensic psychologists have picked apart the minds of serial killers to find an answer as to what forces them to commit such perverse acts. Their ultimate goal is to learn how to catch a serial killer before

What triggers a serial killer to kill? Is it just a fantasy, but let’s look a little deeper. Could it be child hood mistreatment or abuse, could it be neglect, feeling let down and feeling alone or maybe that someone just has an motive to kill. I truly believe that each and every killer has there reason.

A serial killer is a person defined as a series of two or more murders, committed as separate events. “They are generally cunning, manipulative, and know the difference between right and wrong but dismiss it as applying to them” (Montaldo, n.d.) We are often captivated by what they have done and not in a positive way but the intriguing part as to “why”. In reality I stop to think what was happening to this person or within their minds that caused them to behave in such a way. It’s said that these acts are due to Abnormal Psychology gratification, this is the unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought. After thorough research Dr. Helen Morrison believes that it is due to a chromosome abnormality. Dr. Morrison believes that serial killers begin to start expressing these tendencies in their teen

Serial killers don’t develop feelings which allows them to have no emotional connection with their victim which makes it easier to experiment on them. They simple don’t feel remorse for what they have done. (The Psychology of Serial Killers). Along with abnormalities in the brain theirs also abnormalities in their DNA. A chromosome abnormality was found in young teenage boys during puberty, this causes them to display homicidal tendencies.

Because of their sexual urges and their desire to satisfy those urges, serial killers most of the time victimize individuals that they do not know. Grover Godwin, a serial killer profiler,

What are underling factors that contribute to the psychological profile of men and women serial killers? This paper examines scientific and meta-analysis studies of men and women serial killers in an attempt to identify some of these factors. By investigating psychological theories involving men and women serial killer's mental stability and violence motives, the findings from this paper suggest that more research needs to be done in order to address these societal issues and possibly prevent future violence

Pakhomou (2004) defines a serial killer as a person who commits numerous homicides of different kinds in a repetitive manner and nature. On the other hand, Knight (2007) defines serial murder as the killing within a period of 30 days of three or more people. Such killings are committed by sadists and pervasive persons and they reflect displaced aggression, fantasies and destruction. This indicates clearly that, a serial killer doe’s not just carryout the act by being in a normal situation, but they act due to many eminent factors that lead them to carrying out the malicious act. These factors could be influenced by drugs and substance use, overwhelming sexual desire, carrying out revenge, or desire to acquire property.

The events of the past can hold a great influence on the actions and behaviors of the future. From being raised in a supportive and loving home, to one that is full of neglect and abuse, each event can potentially impact the future of an individual. In the case of serial killers, there has been some debate on whether the evil ones are made or born; does it happen because of a genetic factor, environmental factor, or is it simply they addicted to the feeling of slaughtering another individual’s life? Although, the most important key in finding the truth deals with the past and shapes the outcome of the future. Upon viewing in a psychological stance, there is no clear understanding of why one aspect that most serial killers share, namely

The second key characteristic of most serial killers is an overwhelming need for control. Women and children are often targeted because they are seen as weak and easily dominated figures. Killers will tie their victims up with ropes or chains and watch them helplessly struggle to free themselves. They may also torture them and watch as their pleas for freedom fall upon deaf ears.

They usually hate their parents. Almost every serial killer is abused as a child, whether it is sexually, emotionally, physically, or psychologically. This abuse may come from a stranger or a family member, but many serial killers try to lie about this history of abuse. Most serial killers have records of early psychiatric problems and often spent time in institutions as children (i.e.: mental hospitals or psychological rehabilitation centers). They have an intense interest in voyeurism, fetishism, and sadomasochistic porn at a very early age, and they also have a very high rate of suicide attempts. Future serial killers share three other traits in their childhoods. More than sixty precent of serial killers wet their beds past the age of twelve. They also have a fascination with fire, which may be an early manifestation of their fondness for mass destruction. In addition, almost every serial killer starts his abuse and sadistic torture on animal victims (Fisher and Fisher, 2003).

However, another theory to try and explain the serial killers’ behaviors is biological factors. Some researchers believe violent behavior is linked to brain defects. When the temporal lobe, limbic brain and/or the hypothalamus are damaged it may be responsible for uncontrollable rage. As the limbic brain is responsible for emotions and motivation, when it’s injured an individual loses control over their emotions, such as fear and anger. Likewise, the hypothalamus is associated with the hormonal systems and emotions, too. Malnutrition or physical injury may damage it in childhood

Even though the topic of serial killers has become increasingly popular, there are some that still believe in the traditional stereotype of a serial killer: sexually motivated to murder as many women as possible. However, they are much more complicated than that. Serial killers have been misconceived for centuries; moreover, they have been plastered with labels such as insane or animals. Thus, studies are being conducted and articles are being written to inform the public that there might, and is more to serial killers than what people are led to believe. There are exceedingly particular traits that separate serial killers from other murderers, and the complex ways their mind’s function goes far beyond society’s common misconceptions of who they are