Psychology of a serial killer

Running Head : SERIAL KILLER PSYCHOLOGY

The Psychology of Serial Killers (Name (College (Instructor (Course

Abstract

Serial killers and their crimes have long been subjects of fascination among psychologists and biologists alike . What makes them kill ? Some have suggested that answers may be found in genetics and heredity Others have proposed neurological anomalies that may influence self-control and perception of right and wrong . Psychologists classify serial killers as psychopaths or sociopaths under symptoms enumerated in adult anti-social behavior diss . There are questions however if the explanations of psychology or personal history

are enough to understand the motivation and insanity behind crimes committed by serial killers . Is murder a product of madness , selfishness or an unmitigated assertion of personal freedom

The Psychology of a Serial Killer

Jack the Ripper , Ted Bundy , David Berkowitz , John Wayne Gacy , Peter Sutcliffe , and Aileen Wuornos . These are just a few of the people who have wreaked havoc and caused intense fear in society with the brutal murders they each have committed . So brutal and numerous that have earned the title of "Serial Killers

The term "serial killer " was coined in the mid-70 's by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI ) special agent Robert Ressler (Seltzer , 1993 ,

. 93 In the past , people who have killed several people were simply called "mass murderers " Serial killers however , were deemed different as they killed repeatedly to the point of addiction and usually picked their victims at random . Killings are done as in sequence or a "series " hence the term "serial " The motives revolved around sex , financial gain thrill seeking , fulfillment of a perceived "mission " or ideal , and the driving need to exercise power and control (Prins , 2005 ,

. 195

In his book "Serial Murder : An Elusive Phenomenon (1990 ) Steven Egger states that most serial killers have a "desire to have power over his victims (Egger , 1990 ,p .4 . Victims are viewed as "prestigeless " and often unable to defend themselves due to their occupation (prostitutes age (children and elderly women , gender (women and homosexuals ) and social status (migrant workers , homeless people (Egger , 1990 ,

. 4

For some time there was a very influential stereotype of a serial killer which described them typically as "white male in his thirties or forties a sexually motivated murderer who preyed on either men or women depending on his sexual orientation (Jenkins , 1994 ,

. 21 ) While this type of pro fitted Jeffrey Dahmer , Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy perfectly , the emergence of other serial killers that did not fit the pro soon dispelled this stereotype (p .22

It is not at all easy to detect serial killers according to Helen Morrison , author of the book "My Life Among The Serial Killers (2004 These people often have above-average intelligence , are capable of maintaining relationships and even get married , and usually are community-oriented , getting involved with charity work and acting the genial , friendly neighbor "Peering into the Minds of Serial Killers REVIEW " 2004 ,

. 58 . They can also possess considerable charm that could be key in getting...