Addiction & Criminology

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Opinion Article - Addiction & Criminology (2023) Volume 6, Issue 4

The psychology of serial killers: Unraveling the minds of notorious criminals.

Clare Magdalen*

Department of Criminology, Spiru Haret University, Braşov, Romania

*Corresponding Author:
Clare Magdalen
Department of Criminology
Spiru Haret University, Braşov, Romania
E-mail: magdalen.c@yahoo.com

Received: 01-August-2023, Manuscript No. AARA-23-108671; Editor assigned: 02-August-2023, PreQC No. AARA-23-108671 (PQ); Reviewed: 16-August-2023, QC No. AARA-23- 108671; Revised: 21-August-2023, Manuscript No. AARA-23-108671(R); Published: 28-August-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aara-6.4.163

Citation: Magdalen C. The psychology of serial killers: Unraveling the minds of notorious criminals. Addict Criminol. 2023;6(4):163

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Introduction

Serial killers have fascinated and horrified society for decades. The psychological study of serial killers offers insights into the intricate web of factors that contribute to their aberrant behavior. This article aims to unravel the minds of these notorious criminals, exploring their psychological profiles, motivations, and patterns of behavior. Serial killers with psychopathic traits tend to display callousness, lack of remorse, and an ability to deceive others effortlessly. Both psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder contribute to a lack of remorse or guilt, which can facilitate the commission of serial killings [1].

Many serial killers have experienced adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. These early traumas can contribute to the development of psychopathology and shape the distorted worldview and social detachment exhibited by serial killers. Power and control often drive their actions, as serial killers derive a sense of dominance and superiority from exerting power over their victims. Some killers may also be motivated by sexual gratification, with sexual fantasies and paraphilic interests intertwined with their acts of violence [2].

Fantasies play a significant role in the lives of serial killers. These fantasies provide an outlet for their inner desires and can escalate in intensity over time. Serial killers often engage in a process of "fantasy reinforcement," where their violent thoughts become more elaborate and consuming, eventually leading to the actualization of their fantasies through murder [3].

Serial killers typically exhibit patterns in their victim selection and escalation. These patterns can provide important insights into their psychological makeup. Serial killers often choose victims who fit certain criteria or characteristics, such as physical appearance, age, gender, or occupation. These criteria may be linked to the killer's fantasies, past experiences, or underlying psychological needs [4].

Over time, serial killers may escalate their behavior, seeking increased thrill and satisfaction from their crimes. This escalation can manifest in various ways, including an increase in violence, frequency of killings, or a shift in the type of victims selected. The psychological factors driving this escalation can be related to a need for greater control, a desire to challenge law enforcement, or a personal need for recognition and notoriety [5].

Conclusion

The psychology of serial killers offers valuable insights into their motivations, behavior, and patterns of victim selection and escalation. By studying and understanding the psychological profiles associated with serial killers, we can enhance criminal profiling techniques, develop prevention strategies, and aid in the identification and apprehension of these dangerous individuals. The ongoing exploration of the psychology of serial killers contributes to our collective understanding of aberrant human behavior and serves as a foundation for efforts to prevent and address such acts of violence in our society.

References

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