Introduction
What makes a serial killer who they are? Serial killers have always fascinated and terrified society. Though there is no unified definition of a serial killer, most definitions define a serial killer as an individual who perpetrates the killing of three or more people over a certain period (Allely et al., 2014). Why anyone would wish and execute the killings of a large number of their fellow human beings has remained unanswered. It has elicited debates regarding the predisposing factors. No single factor explains the motivation behind a serial killer’s intent to kill. Violence is multi-determined, so serial killing results from an interplay of social, cultural, environmental, or individual factors. Notably, individuals’ social and familial environment and genetics and biology are considered influential to a serial killer’s psyche. Genetic and biology factors seek to establish the genetic and genetical predisposition and its role in serial killing (Dogra et al., 2012). Social and familial environments aspects, on the other hand, seek to establish how the social and family setting influences the behavior of a serial killer. For example, social deprivation of abuse within the family has been researched as a possible factor that elevates a serial killer’s psyche (Allely et al., 2014). The influence of these factors occurs in varying dimensions. This research seeks to establish which among the social and familial environment and genetic and biology of a serial killer have a more psychological influence.
Mini Literature Review
The influence of familial and social environments on serial killing behaviors have received significant attention in the literature. Allely et al. (2014), while seeking to establish the role of psychological mediators in influencing the character of a serial killer, established a link between psychological and/or physical abuse and the characteristics of a serial killer’s childhoods. The research established that parental rejection or rejection by other important persons for a child, contributes to serial killing in adulthood. Notably, the research found that individuals who had been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused within their family or social setting are three times more likely to develop violent behaviors in adulthood than non-abused adults.
Ryan et al. (2017) establish that social factors of subcultures existing within the society may hugely influence the development of violent behaviors such as serial killing. He notes that serial killing may arise from criminal fantasies, which might later develop into aggressive behaviors. For example, subcultures such as a criminal environment with a high prevalence of criminal gangs influence aspects of serial killing since these criminal gangs target some members of the society.
Diverse researchers have sought to establish the link between biological or gene composition to serial killing. Particularly, several researches have established a connection between neurochemical imbalance and aggression. In a series of research by Cohen (2011), he establishes that conditions such as personality disorder, psychopathy, autism, and Asperger syndrome usually exhibit a lack of empathy, leading to dangerous scenarios. Through drilling down into neuroscience and brain anatomy, the author offers a new brain-based theory of cruelty. The research establishes the functioning of empathy circuits in our brains and points out that the malfunctioning of the circuit plays a key role in the absence of empathy. Heide & Solomon (2006) establishes that (MAO-A), which assumes a key role in the metabolism of hormones such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, are determined genetically. He then establishes low levels of MAO-A activity within men increase the chances of being involved in violent crime by three times before one reaches 26 years, compared to individuals with high levels of MAO-A activity.
Allely et al. (2014) establish that probably more than 10% of serial killers have (ASD). Nearly the same proportion of individuals have a head injury. The author, however, points out to the likelihood that these figures are underestimated. He found that most individuals involved in serial killings and had head injury or ASD had also been exposed to psychosocial factors such as family violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, surgeries, or divorces within their families. Thus, they found a complex interplay between environmental factors and biological or neurodevelopmental factors.
Methods and Keywords
In conducting my preliminary research for the literature review, I will use reputable databases as the source of most of my publications. Key databases for this research will include articles, journals, and any other sources I can obtain from the UTC library databases. The resources to be considered are those published within the 21st century since it is during this period that the study on genetics and the impact of the biology of criminal behaviors had gained momentum. Articles published in the 1980s may be less resourceful since there is limited information regarding our study of biology and genetic composition and its role in serial killings. Other sources to be considered include books and data banks on serial killers. Books may prove valuable in scenarios where limited research has been conducted in some subsections of the research. The possible keywords for this research will include, (Psychosocial factors [AND] Serial killers*), (Biological composition [AND] serial killers*), (gene composition [AND] violent behaviors*), (Social factors [AND] Serial killers*), (Social environment [AND] Serial killers*), and (Brain Anatomy [AND] violent behaviors*).
The Conversation
From the mini literature review conducted, the researchers have explored diverse social factors and biological and gene composition and their influence on serial killings. Regarding social factors, this field discusses how the social environment influences individuals to develop a serial killing mind. The discusses matters such as rejection of children by their parents or important people in their lives, or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse within their family or social setting and their link to serial killing. This field also discusses issues such as the influence of the social surroundings such as violent neighborhoods or the presence of organized groups and how they impact a serial killer’s psyche.
A discussion revolving around the role of brain injuries and other physical harm such as surgeries and the influence of neurological disorders such as ASD on serial killing and other violent behaviors is a central discussion within this research field. Other discussions revolve around the motivations behind serial killers. My research seeks to explore which social and familial environment or genetic and biology has more impact on the psyche of serial killers. My research fits into this discussion in that the two factors that I seek to explore are part of the broader discussion, though little has been done to explore their differences. My research adds to the existing body of literature by offering insights regarding which social and familiar environment, or genetic and biology, has more impact on the psyche of serial killers.
Findings
Influence of social and familiar environment on serial killers
Serial killers are often thought of as loners or misfits by society. However, many have come from well-off families with close contact with others in their hometown. Even though these killers were able to accumulate knowledge about the world that we can never know, their killing sprees and the killings of others forced them to be on their own (Allely et al, 2014). With the unstable childhood that many killers face, it seems like only a matter of time until things escalate.
Criminologist David Wilson points out that “it’s all about the family.” Wilson believes that an immediate social environment familiar with their needs and wants, including how to satisfy their sexual impulses, is a primary factor in the motivation of some serial killers. They are more likely to follow in the footsteps of their infamous parents, who have set a platform filled with atrocious deeds (Heide, & Solomon, 2006). The parents have provided an example of pathological behavior, sick fantasies, and an obsessive, violent interest in women or girls. The killings result from the internal mental conflict that takes root during early childhood development. It is difficult to pinpoint this sort of behavior as there is no set personality or physical trait that defines these individuals, as most are average or better than average intellectually and physically.
For instance, serial killers are socialized in an environment of violence and aggression, lack empathy, are sexually deviant, and have a high pain tolerance, often stemming from their traumatic experiences as minors that may have resulted in physical or emotional pain. Serial killer and rapist Ted Bundy stated that he grew up in a violent and abusive home. His mother was mentally ill, and his father was an alcoholic who beat his wife until she was unconscious (Dogra et al, 2012). His father would also engage in incest with his daughter, which led to Bundy’s becoming a necrophilia.
Some argue that serial murder is not as much of a crime of sexual impulse as it is a crime of rage. The rage originates from the fear of being humiliated or shamed publicly in front of other men. The fear of looking weak or inadequate drives some men to kill others, primarily if they are motivated by feelings of inadequacy or jealousy towards victims who have more power than they (i.e., women).
The top three environmentally influenced motivations for serial killers are sex (most common), thrill/thrilling factors (such as power, control, and sadism), and financial gain. This is important to law enforcement when looking for a serial killer because knowing what makes them tick can help find patterns that link crimes together(Ryanet al,2017 )r. It allows them to focus on many different aspects of the victims, crime scenes, and suspects in hopes of finding a connection.
Influence of genetics and biology on serial killers
Genetics may play a role in the inclination toward criminality and the length of time that one remains delinquent. Current research on genetics and biology contributes to our understanding of serial killers. Genetic and biological factors are believed to account for a large portion of the predisposition for serial killers.
The focus by researchers on genetics and biology may be due to the nature of serial killers, who are usually male and have a history of mental health disorders. Research has demonstrated that there is a significant heritability in antisocial behavior . The findings suggest that antisocial behavior is highly influenced by genes, which accounts for about 48% of the variance in conduct disorder (CD). CD involves aggressive behavior such as bullying, fighting, stealing, lying or breaking rules (Heide, & Solomon, 2006). This disorder begins in childhood or early adolescence and often continues into adulthood. The findings suggest that antisocial behavior is highly influenced by genes which account for about 48% of the variance in conduct disorder (CD). The genetic influences on such behavioural tendencies are integral in informing perspectives about the biological inherence of serial killer tendencies among subjects.
Dr. Helen Morrison, a forensic psychologist and author from the United States, claims that serial murderers’ chromosomal anomaly manifests itself in puberty. Excess oestrogen is produced by Bobby Joe Long, a serial murderer who has an extra X chromosome. The development of his breasts throughout adolescence caused him much discomfort and frustration (Cohen, 2011). Bobby used his rage to rape more than fifty women over the course of three decades. In the span of ten weeks in 1983, he killed 10 women.
Conclusion
In the development of serial murderers, both genetic and environmental variables are important considerations. It is not only genes or the environment that are responsible for this predicament; rather, it is the appropriate balance of variables that is responsible. Using Behavior Sequence Analysis to Map Serial Killers’ Life Histories, for example, has shown how environmental circumstances impact violent behavior from desensitization; and how genes play a part in the development of serial killers’ life histories.
References
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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2014.04.004
Cohen, S. (2011). The science of evil: On empathy and the origins of cruelty. BASIC BOOKS.
Dogra, T., Leenaars, A., Chadha, R., Manju, M., Lalwani, S., & Sood, M. et al. (2012). A
Psychological Profile of a Serial Killer: A Case Report. OMEGA – Journal Of Death And Dying, 65(4), 299-316. https://doi.org/10.2190/om.65.4.d
Heide, K., & Solomon, E. (2006). Biology, childhood trauma, and murder: Rethinking justice. International Journal Of Law And Psychiatry, 29(3), 220-233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2005.10.001
Ryan, S., Willmott, D., Sherretts, N., & Kielkiewicz, K. (2017). A Psycho-legal analysis and criminal trajectory of female child serial killer Beverley Allitt. European Journal of Current Legal Issues, 23(2). http://webjcli.org/article/view/574/749.
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