Psychological Mind Behind Serial Killers Essay

Alexis Hunt

The Psychological Mind Behind Serial Killers

GEN216: Written Communications

Stautzenberger College

Amy Bidne

May 2, 2023

The Psychological Mind Behind Serial Killers The idea of a serial killer lurking in the shadows, preying on unsuspecting victims, is a bone-chilling thought that has captivated the public's imagination for decades. These notorious killers, such as Richard Ramirez and Jeffrey Dahmer, have left a legacy of devastation and death that has prompted psychologists to delve deeper into the question of what drives someone to commit such monstrous acts. The phenomenon of serial killers is often linked to a history of trauma, with a growing body of research indicating that adverse childhood experiences can significantly

Psychologists and criminologists have collaborated to find the reasons behind the phenomenon. The results of numerous studies have linked childhood abuse as the primary factor. “Researchers who study serial killers noted that a large percentage have suffered childhood abuse possibly contributing to their murderous behaviors” (Guy, 2022, para. 7). The developing child heavily relies on their parent's guidance, behavior, and life skills. If the child experiences sexual or physical harm, they may suffer psychological damage that can evolve into denial, sadness, and later anger. Thus, childhood abuse can be a cause that results in an individual's propensity to become a serial killer. The infamous traits reported among serial killers have been feeling remorseless, impulsive, apathetic, and the need for control. Helen Morrison is a forensic psychiatrist and author of My Life Among the Serial Killers: Inside the Minds of the World's Most Notorious Murderers (2004). She studied 135 serial killers and their patterns and published her findings. The absence of guilt or shame for committing murder may

5). It has been reported that serial killers are typically cautious individuals who only choose victims they feel they can successfully overpower. These may contribute to the individual's lack of empathy or regard for human life, impulsive behavior, and tendency to seek control through domination and manipulation of others can cause them to have the willingness and ability to commit heinous acts of violence and murder. Serial killers are driven by similar motives, despite having distinct killing methods. The categorization of serial killers includes four categories: “The Visionary, Mission-Oriented, Hedonistic, and Power/Control Oriented” (Lewis, 1998, para 7). Hedonistic killers, such as Jeffery Dahmer, are motivated by the pursuit of thrill/rush, or lust/sexual pleasure. Therefore, despite the differences in their killing methods, the similarity in the motives of serial killers suggests that their psychological makeup plays a significant role in driving them to commit such heinous crimes. In conclusion, Childhood trauma and adverse experiences may cause pathological behavior in serial killers. Infamous traits like lack of empathy, impulsivity, and need for control contribute to their willingness to commit heinous acts. Despite differences in their methods, similar motives