Serial Killer: A Detailed Analysis
Serial killers are among the most notorious criminals in the world. These criminals are defined as those who murder three or more victims over a period of time, with a “cooling off” period in between killings (Mullins, 2017). Although serial killers have been around since the late 1800s, they have remained a subject of fascination and fear among the general population. This paper will provide an in-depth analysis of serial killers, including their motivations, behavior, and characteristics.
Motivations
The motivations behind serial killers vary depending on the individual criminal, but they typically involve a combination of psychopathic traits, a need for power and control, and a desire to satisfy psychological urges (Mullins, 2017). Serial killers often exhibit a lack of empathy and remorse, a need for domination, and a disregard for the lives of their victims. Furthermore, serial killers may also be motivated by a desire for revenge, a feeling of entitlement, or a need for recognition.
Behavior
Serial killers typically display a pattern of behavior, which includes a pre-killing ritual, a post-killing ritual, and a cooling-off period. During the pre-killing ritual, serial killers will usually target a potential victim and become familiar with their habits, routines, and preferences. Next, they will typically stalk the victim and plan the murder (Mullins, 2017). After the murder, they will often steal items from the victim or take photographs of the crime scene. Finally, the cooling-off period is a time of reflection and recuperation before the killer strikes again.
Characteristics
Serial killers are typically male and may have had a history of violence or abuse in their childhood (Mullins, 2017). They also tend to be highly intelligent and have a deep understanding of human behavior. Furthermore, serial killers tend to be loners who lack social skills and have difficulty forming relationships. In addition, they usually display a low level of anxiety and remain calm in high-pressure situations.
Conclusion
Serial killers are among the most dangerous criminals in the world. They are motivated by a combination of psychopathic traits, a need for power and control, and a desire to satisfy psychological urges. Their behavior is characterized by a pre-killing ritual, a post-killing ritual, and a cooling-off period. In addition, serial killers tend to be male, intelligent, loners with a history of violence or abuse.
References
Mullins, C. (2017). Serial killers: A detailed analysis. Psych Central. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/lib/serial-killers-a-detailed-analysis/