Nature Vs. Nurture To Become A Serial Killer

Introduction What possible causes or forces of nature impact an individual so harshly they eventually evolve into a serial killer? The nature versus nurture debate in childhood development with physical impact will be used in an attempt to explain possible causes. Serial killers often blend into society with no inclination that they are a violent or even a dangerous person. Some form of psychological gratification is the main reason a serial killer is compelled to commit murder. Most serial killers start out by killing animals before moving on to sometimes torturing and eventually killing actual human beings. The causes of psychopathology in an individual is still unknown. Trying to understand how a killer’s mind works goes back hundreds
The FBI estimates there could be as many as 50 serial killers active in the United States at any given time. Joel Norris, who studied episodic aggression and is a founder of the international committee of neuroscientists suggests that we should be spending more time trying to diagnose serial killers before they snap and kill someone than on funding an execution after killers have been caught and prosecuted (Richard 1988).
Many serial killers share common patterns and backgrounds. Genetic and mental defects like ADD or ADHD are common. Abusive and violent situations occurred in almost 50% of serial killer’s childhood homes. There were also possible abusive sexual situations like being forced to dress up as the opposite sex, being punished for childhood masturbation or bed-wetting, or sexual abuse from relatives or close family friends. Drug and alcohol addiction is also a strong prevalent factor among serial killers. Usually, they do not have strong bonds or relationships in their families. These are just a few of the suggested causes (Richard
Each serial killer has their own specific type of victims (Morganthu 1990). Normally there is some kind of history or motive as to why they chose that specific type of victim. Some serial killers choose gay or transgender individuals, some choose young boys, some choose drug addicts, some choose prostitutes, and some victims are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time (Rys 2011). Often a serial killer’s victims have similar physical traits that fall into a very specific range. These can be physical build, eye color, hair color, personality traits, and many other factors (Morganthu 1990). However they end up choosing their victim, they usually do so in a way that gains their victim’s trust. This results in the victims not recognizing danger when they are around it (Rys