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Criminal and behavior profiling is a start, but there will always be limitations and gaps in any research involving someone's mind, especially a mind as seemingly complex in nature as that of a serial killer. A lack of guilt, a lack of feeling and sensitivity and the ability to derive joy from the pain and suffering of another is the type of thing that psychologists will probably never be able to fully understand.
The next, and most critical step in the field of serial killer profiling may be a behavioral analysis. There are many different types of serial killers out there and only a further evaluation into the brains of different types of killers can even begin to shed a bit of light onto the inner wiring of such dangerous, unpredictable people. While it may be difficult to face the fact that not all killers are psychologically predisposed to being killers, it is the truth in many instances. Only further review...
"A Case Study of Serial Killers." Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. 9.2 (2009): 109-113.
Knight, Z. (2006). Some thoughts on the psychological roots of the behavior of serial killers. Social Behavior & Personality: An
International Journal, 34(10), 1189-1206.
Soothill, K, & Wilson, D. (2005). Theorizing the puzzle that is harold shipman. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 16(4), 685-698.
Vecchi, G.M. (2009). The fbi behavioral science unit's evil minds research museum. (cover story). Soothill, K, & Wilson, D. (2005). Theorizing the puzzle that is Harold Shipman.
Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 16(4),,…
Works Cited
Dalal, J.S. "A Case Study of Serial Killers." Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. 9.2 (2009): 109-113.
Knight, Z. (2006). Some thoughts on the psychological roots of the behavior of serial killers. Social Behavior & Personality: An
International Journal, 34(10), 1189-1206.
Soothill, K, & Wilson, D. (2005). Theorizing the puzzle that is harold shipman. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 16(4), 685-698.
Currently the DSM-IV refers to both these as antisocial personality disorder with the following criteria: A. Pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15 as indicated by at least three of the following: 1. Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behavior. 2. Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or
Serial Killers have long fascinated the general public, not only because their crimes are so heinous, but also because they embody the extremes to which psychological disorders can take a person. In the name of psychological insight, the lives of serial killers are dissected down to the most minute detail in the hopes of understanding what factors contribute to making a 'monster'. The Crime Classification Manual defines serial murder as
Serial killers have struck fear in the hearts of people, yet the public remains fascinated and intrigued by the crimes perpetrated by these individuals. There are several theories and factors that have been attributed to serial killers in an attempt to explain their behaviors. Furthermore, by identifying the behaviors that are exhibited by serial killers, law enforcement professionals are able to gather information about these serial killers that will assist
Orbitofrontal Cortex and the Serial Killer According to Portales, "what lies behind the eyes" of the serial killer "is the key to his psychopathy." The orbitofrontal cortex is the neural region directly behind the eyes and is the last to develop. Portales quotes authoritative research that, due to childhood traumatic experiences, in some individuals the ortbitofrontal cortex -- the tool judgment and decision making -- may never completely develop: "individuals
Allely, C., Minnis, H., Thompson, L., Wilson, P., Gillberg, C. (2014). Neurodevelopmental and psychosocial risk factors in serial killers and mass murderers. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 19(3): 288-301. The researchers in this study conduct a meta-analysis of relevant literature including academic studies and legal sources in order to assess the "complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociological factors" that contribute to the making of a serial killer (p. 288). What the study
Psychology and the Criminal Offender Individuals commit crimes for many different reasons, and some of these and psychological in nature. In other words, the way that a person's brain works and the way that the person looks at the world can contribute to how that person reacts to many different things and whether that person commits crimes, or what kinds of crimes. The circumstances of the individual can also contribute to