The definition of "serial killing" has proved problematic within the confines of narrow legal definitions of murder. Moreover, serial killing adopts multifarious forms brought on by many different states of mind (D, Wilson. 2001). Holmes attempted to define serial murder as consisting of repetitive killings where the relationship between victim and the offender is that of stranger or slight acquaintance, and the motivation to kill and apparent motives are lacking (R, Holmes, & S Holmes 2001). However, it is submitted at the outset that this is not entirely accurate, as motivation and apparent motives although not extrinsically obvious, are nevertheless prevalent and inherently shrouded in backdrop of interlinking of complex causal triggers (A, Alexandrovich. & D, Wilson 1999).
[...] Indeed, it has been propounded that the first twelve months are critical to the development of emotions such as remorse and affection Alexandrovich & Wilson. 1999). Moreover, failure to attach or bond through adequate attention and physical touch during this time period, has demonstrated increased risk of personality disorder development in later life (Canter. 2005). Indeed, Vronsky argues that there may be signs that the child has a psychopathic personality by the age of 2 (Vronsky 2004). However, the nature of diverging explanations begs the question as to whether this can solely be attributed to the background causes crime model within criminological propounded theorem or alternatively neurology, which in turn highlights the need to consider the interrelationship between the two models. [...]
[...] The focus of this analysis is to evaluate how best to describe the conduct of serial killers under applied criminological theorem. However, in doing so it is necessary to undertake a comparative analysis in context of scientific findings to highlight the need for combined considerations in future criminological research. From the criminological perspective, the central theory pertaining to the conduct of serial killers is the background causes crime model Foucott 1977 & D Wilson, 2001). This involves the interdependence of offender history, particularly in adolescence Wilson 2001). [...]
[...] Under the psychodynamic theory, serial killers are overwhelmed by their id and negative experiences create a weak ego, thereby facilitating negative and aggressive fantasies. Alternatively, another central criminological theory is the organised/disorganised typology of serial killers (Canter 2005). This theory indicates that serial killers will fall into one of two categories; namely organised or disorganised offenders. Through the evaluation of the crime scene, victims and forensic evidence it is possible to conclude personality and behavioural characteristics (Canter 2005). For example, the organised offender's habits are deciphered from the crime scene as an organised offender. [...]
[...] Moreover, Freud argues that males try to reach a stated of autonomy with their mother, and failure to do so results in the development of inner rage Masters. 1985). However, this has created polarised debate with feminist criminological theorem undermining the assertion that maternal bonding assists in the creation of serial killer (Silverman & Wilson 2002). Nevertheless, empirical research does indeed demonstrate a high proportion of serial killers having difficult relationships with their mothers (Vronsky 2004). Moreover, childhood trauma has also been linked to serial killers. [...]
APA Style reference
For your bibliographyOnline reading
with our online readerContent validated
by our reading committee
