Serial killers have captivated the public’s imagination for decades, and for good reason. Their actions are both shocking and fascinating, leaving many people wondering just what it is that drives these individuals to commit such heinous crimes.

While the motivations behind serial killings can vary widely from one case to the next, there are some common features of the psyche of serial killers that can help us better understand these monsters.

The Definition of a Serial Killer

Before digging into the psychology of serial killers, it’s important to define just what we mean by this term.

The FBI defines a serial killer as someone who has committed three or more murders over a period of time with a cooling off period in between.

Psychopathy and Sociopathy

One of the key features of many serial killers is their lack of empathy for their victims. This is often a sign of either psychopathy or sociopathy.

Both of these conditions involve a lack of emotional regulation and an inability to feel empathy or guilt.

The Role of Early Trauma

While not all serial killers experience early trauma, many do. Childhood abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma can profoundly affect a child’s developing mind and lead to lifelong issues with mental health and behavior.

Some serial killers report experiencing severe abuse or trauma during their childhoods, which may have contributed to their tendency towards violent behavior later in life.

The Need for Power and Control

Many serial killers report feeling a need for power and control over their victims.

This can manifest in a number of ways, from selecting victims who are vulnerable or weaker than themselves to actively seeking out ways to exert control over their victims during the killings themselves. For some killers, the act of murdering someone may be the ultimate expression of power and control.

The Influence of Sexual Fantasies

Sexual fantasies can be a major motivator for some serial killers, particularly those who engage in sexually motivated killings. These fantasies can involve a wide range of behaviors, from domination and submission to voyeurism and sadomasochism.

The desire to act out these fantasies can become so overwhelming for some killers that they are willing to commit murder in order to do so.

Mental Illness and Personality Disorders

Serious mental illness and personality disorders are common among serial killers. Many killers have been diagnosed with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder.

While not all people with these conditions will go on to commit violent crimes, the combination of mental illness and other risk factors can create a dangerous mix.

The Role of Fantasy in Serial Killers’ Minds

Many serial killers engage in extensive fantasizing about their crimes before they commit them. These fantasies can be vivid and elaborate, and may include the specific details of the killings themselves.

This type of behavior can be a warning sign of a potential serial killer, as it suggests that the individual in question is fixated on the idea of killing and may be planning to act on their fantasies.

The Attribution of Blame

One of the most troubling aspects of serial killer psychology is the tendency to place blame for their actions on others.

Many killers will blame their victims, society at large, or even specific individuals (such as parents or other authority figures) for their behavior. This allows them to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and can make it easier for them to justify future crimes.

The Difficulties of Profiling Serial Killers

Despite decades of research into the profiles of serial killers, it’s important to note that there is no single “typical” serial killer.

While there are certain common features of the psyche of serial killers, each case is unique and may involve a complex interplay of factors that can be difficult to untangle. This is why profiling serial killers can be so challenging, and why it’s important for law enforcement professionals to gather as much information as possible in order to accurately identify and capture these dangerous individuals.

The Devastating Impact of Serial Killings

Finally, it’s important to acknowledge the devastating impact that serial killers have on their victims, their families, and society at large.

Each and every life lost to a serial killer is a tragedy, and it’s up to all of us to work together to prevent these senseless acts of violence from happening.