Creation of a Serial Killer
Creation of a Serial Killer What can be done? Where does one turn? What causes the creation of a serial killer? Today, it is rather unclear where the lines stands and it is still arguable just what factors even play a role in the creation of these monstrosities. One might say that these types of people are “born that way” or other may suggest that it was bad parenting. Scientists, psychologists, and researchers from far and wide may not have the answer, but they still have a keen understanding of what these factors may be. In studies involving twins originally conducted by Minnesota Professor of Psychology Thomas Joseph Bouchard, Jr., it was found that genes play a large role in the fate of an individual. In their studies, it has shown that psychopathy is 60% hereditable (Brogard). Their research was done by monitoring genes for mutations over the years. As twins split of to become separate individuals, they must have similar DNA to begin with, and since many mutations occur after this separation, the original DNA must be hereditarily responsible for such behaviors (Brogard). A recent study at the University of Wisconsin showed that these serial killers have a slightly detached amygdala, as it has few connections to the rest of the brain than do sadistic people (Brogard).
Again, there are many things that can lead to this abhorrent state of mind. The killer may have had physical trauma, whether it have been to the head or via rape (n.p., Nurturing a Serial Killer). In many cases, sexual abuse may be the case (Larson). Combine one’s inability to cope with stress alongside these factors, and one can create a serial killer (Larson). In a study conducted by Heather Y. Swanston, 2 groups of children were taken and examed (Larson, Serial Murderers: The Construction). One group was of children that had been sexually abused (Larson). The other, was of kids that had not been abused (Larson). They were evaluated 5 years later (Larson). The study showed that those
Again, there are many things that can lead to this abhorrent state of mind. The killer may have had physical trauma, whether it have been to the head or via rape (n.p., Nurturing a Serial Killer). In many cases, sexual abuse may be the case (Larson). Combine one’s inability to cope with stress alongside these factors, and one can create a serial killer (Larson). In a study conducted by Heather Y. Swanston, 2 groups of children were taken and examed (Larson, Serial Murderers: The Construction). One group was of children that had been sexually abused (Larson). The other, was of kids that had not been abused (Larson). They were evaluated 5 years later (Larson). The study showed that those
Cited: Brogard, Barret. PsychologyToday. Sussex Publishing. December 7, 2012. Web Article. 8 March 2013. Larson, Daniel. Serial Murderers: The Construction. University of Iowa. n.d. Online Article. 8 March 2013. Mitchell, Kevin J. The Miswired Brain: Making Connections from Neurodevelopment to Psychopathology. BMC Biology. n.d. Online Article. 22 March 2013. n.p. Nurturing a Serial Killer. Arizona State University. n.d. Online article. 8 March 2013.