A Comparison of Maternal and Paternal Filicide
Definition
Filicide is the act of a parent killing their own child. It is a form of homicide, but the motivation of the parent killing their own child is typically different from the reasons a person may kill another adult. Filicide is a rare phenomenon, but it is a serious and complex problem.
History
Filicide has been a part of human history for centuries, but it has only recently become the focus of scientific study. The first comprehensive study of filicide was conducted by Karl Menninger in 1938 in which he identified three types of filicide: altruistic filicide, which is committed in the belief that it is in the child’s best interest; acute filicide, which is committed in a state of mental distress or passion; and chronic filicide, which is committed with a cold-blooded determination.
More recently, researchers have studied filicide in more detail, focusing on the differences between maternal and paternal filicide. It has been found that there are distinct differences between maternal and paternal filicide, including the motivations for the act, the type of child killed, and the method of killing.
Maternal Filicide
Maternal filicide is more common than paternal filicide. It is typically committed by a mother who is suffering from depression, substance abuse, or other mental health issues. The motivation for the act is often to end the mother’s suffering, or to protect the child from a perceived danger. Mothers are also more likely to kill their own children than fathers, and the victims are typically younger than those killed by fathers. The most common method of killing is suffocation or strangulation.
Paternal Filicide
Paternal filicide is less common than maternal filicide. It is typically committed by a father who is suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, or financial distress. The motivation for the act is often to punish the mother or the child, or to end the father’s suffering. Fathers are also more likely to kill their own children than mothers, and the victims are typically older than those killed by mothers. The most common method of killing is shooting or stabbing.
Conclusion
Filicide is a rare phenomenon, but it is a serious and complex problem. Although the motivations for filicide are similar for both mothers and fathers, there are distinct differences in the type of child killed, the method of killing, and the motivation for the act. It is important to understand these differences in order to better understand the motivations behind filicide and to develop effective prevention strategies.
References
Menninger, K. (1938). Man Against Himself. New York: Harcourt Brace.
Grossman, S., & Kruttschnitt, C. (2001). Maternal and paternal filicide in the United States, 1976–1994. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 29(2), 184–192.
Grossman, S. (2003). Differentiating maternal and paternal filicide. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 8(6), 619–628.
Kalland, M. (2011). Maternal and paternal filicide in Norway. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 34(4), 298–305.
Miron, D., & Reitzes, D. (2013). Understanding filicide: A review of the literature. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 14(2), 103–112.