I'm currently working on a podcast on the psychology behind serial killers. I've always been interested in true crime so I decided to share my research with you guys. If you're curious, interested in psychology, or interested in crime, then this is for you. I guess I'll start simply with the definition of serial killer: An individual who has murdered at least 3 people in at least 3 separate events, with a “cooling off” period between kills.
Interestingly enough, serial killers are more likely than the average person to have been abused at a young age. They usually have low activity in the orbital cortex, affecting impulse control and ethical behavior. Low activity in the orbital cortex results in less suppression of behaviors such as: rage, violence, eating, sex, and drinking. Serial killers tend to have never developed a sense of attachment and belonging to the world. Serial killers often kill in a cycle - most often during periods of stress, along with a temporary period of relief after killing.
Many serial killers share a gene that produces monoamine oxidase A, also known as the “Warrior gene”, but most commonly as the MAO-A gene, which may prevent your brain from responding to the effects of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the body that regulates mood and has a calming effect on the body. There are low-aggression and high-aggression variations of the MAO-A gene. Serial killers tend to have the high-aggression version of the gene. A sociopath tends to be composed of 3 main “ingredients”: genetic makeup, brain patterns, and childhood abuse or violence. Sociopathy is learnt and developed over time, while psychopathy is genetic.
Motives usually fall into 5 main categories: obtaining money, experiencing the thrill, a sense of power, a desire to rid the world of evildoers, and simply boredom. The desire to kill usually develops during puberty, since at that time hormones are extremely active. About 90% of killers tend to be male Caucasians.
Studies have shown that killers with psychopathy tend to have reduced connections between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, located in the brain, which are believed to regulate emotion and social behavior. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex is responsible for sentimental emotions such as empathy and guilt. The amygdala is in charge of mediating fear and anxiety. There are two main categories of serial killers: organized and nonsocial and disorganized and asocial. Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy are categorized in the organized and nonsocial group, while the late 19th century's "Jack the Ripper" was categorized as disorganized and asocial.
I hope you learned something from this :)
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