by Hestie Barnard Gerber
This list aims to look at the common traits of serial
killers. What makes them tick? Why are they compelled to do what they do? Are
they made by what surrounds them in their infancy, or are they born with
certain traits that predispose them to violence? The ten characteristics below
may not be present in every serial murderer – but they’ll give you an idea of
some of the warning signs.
Children who are exposed to alcohol
and substance abuse in the womb may suffer from serious birth defects.
Small eye openings, retardation, a small head and brain and central nervous
system issues are just some of the problems they could face, if they survive. Growing up in a home where substances are abused can be even
worse. ADHD, attachment disorders, doubt and feelings of inadequacy, depression
and behavioral problems will be evident from a very young age. According to the
FBI’s statistics, the childhood homes of more than 70% of serial killers
experienced problems related to substance abuse. Be that as it may, there have
actually been very few serial killers (relatively speaking) addicted to alcohol
and substances – but many of them are known to have encountered such things in
their youth.
9 Psychological abuse during childhood
It almost goes without saying that
most serial killers were abused as children. According to the interviews
and discussions that have been held with known serial killers, emotional abuse
and neglect has been the form of abuse most of them (50%) suffered. They were humiliated often – and when parents meted out
discipline, it was unfair, unpredictable, destructive and wicked. Even when a
child is merely neglected, huge developmental failures can occur. The child
will become desensitized; he will begin to believe that this emotionally barren
world that surrounds it is something normal – and so he will grow up devoid of
empathy for others. Emotional abuse impairs a child’s self-esteem, and
interferes with his ability to function adequately in society, succeed
academically, and form healthy, intimate relationships. This is why we see that
serial killers often fail to keep their jobs for any period of time and only rarely
have successful relationships.
8 Sexually stressful events in childhood
Accessible research material tells us
violent sexual events during childhood have serious adverse affects on
an individual’s development. More than one known serial killer was forced to
dress up as a girl as a form of punishment. The witnessing of violent sexual
acts between family members and/or parents had some of the most damaging
effects. Furthermore, some contracted venereal diseases as teenagers;
were punished for masturbating as children; or were sexually abused, most often
by parents or family members. Such experiences in childhood will often create
violent fantasies that continue into adulthood. Childhood abuse leads to social isolation, learning difficulties
(46% of serial killers never finish high-school), self-control issues and
seizures. This research into child abuse serves as compelling confirmation that
serial killers are made – not born.
7 Bed-wetting
Even though
bed-wetting in itself has been discredited as a predictor of later
violent tendencies, it is speculated that it might be related to arson and
animal cruelty in some way. Researches argue that persistent bed-wetting past
the age of five is demeaning for a child, especially if parents or other
figures of authority tease or belittle them about it. The child may then act
out against animals or use arson to channel their anger and frustration. Over
57% of serial killers were bed-wetters until an unusually advanced age.
6 Growing up lonely and isolated
Family members of
future serial killers are usually out of step and at odds with each
other. Their relationships are malfunctional and debilitating. These families
also have a tendency to move around a lot, and the children are normally
removed into shelters before they can turn 18. It all boils down to the idea that such children have no
meaningful relationship as they grow up, and therefore end up lacking the
capacity to forge such relationship; they end up as “loners”. Serial killers
are rarely remembered by classmates, as they rarely had any close friends. As
they are frequently bullied by other kids, anti-social tendencies will also
develop at an early age. A careful observer will see that this child starts
dabbling in arson and theft, the use of dangerous weapons, hostility and
aggression, and a complete disregard for others’ rights.
5 Fantasies
Serial
killers’ fantasies are often about control and violation. In fact, during
research, it became evident that serial killers could remember NO positive
fantasies they had as children. Some would fantasize about mutilating
themselves or their genitals. They will even fantasize about their own traumas,
over and over again – the difference being that in these fantasies they are the
assailant. Serial killers in the making will never discuss these horrid
fantasies with anyone, but thoughts of fulfilling them will recur more and more
frequently. Before the serial killer kills for the first time, the fantasies
normally focus on committing the murder. Afterwards, the fantasies will focus
on committing each murder more successfully, and with greater efficiency.
4 Preferring auto-erotic activities
Most serial killers admitted that
during their teenage years they avoided parties and other social events.
They definitely never experimented as normal teenagers do with sexual
activities among their peers, rather preferring masturbation and other
auto-erotic activities such as pornography. In some cases there would be obsessive
masturbation – as in the case of Andrei Chikatilo, who had awful scarring on
his penis due to the aggression that accompanied his masturbation. Without any substantial social structure in his life, the
killer is unable to embark on a normal sexual relationship, and thus is forced
into solo sexual activities. Certain forms of media, such as detective
magazines, often have lurid tales of sex and murder that can also serve as an
extra form of arousal – linking sex and murder together.
3 Developing voyeurism and fetishism in adulthood
From an early age,
many serial killers are intensely interested in voyeurism and fetishism
as well as other paraphilias. Many will start their deviancy as relatively
harmless peeping-toms, before moving on to house-breaking, rape, and murder.
Given that elements of bondage and dominance feature so strongly in most
paraphilias, it is no surprise that this is often the route followed after
adolescence.
2 Acting out fantasies on animals
Almost all serial
killers – in fact, 99% of them – admitted that they started by acting
out their violent fantasies on animals before graduating to human beings. Due
to the dysfunctional families most serial killers come from, such pathological
and abnormal behavior may be ignored or completely missed – as in the case of
Jeffrey Dahmer, whose father was unperturbed by the fact that his son was
dissecting animals. These acts of animal cruelty are a great source of pleasure
to young killers, and they manage to perfect the art completely – later performing
the same acts on their human victims.
1 Physical injuries
Head injuries
received during accidents, repeated head trauma suffered during physical
abuse or injuries during birth have been suggested as a very important link to
aggressive and violent behaviour. Damage to the limbic brain, hypothalamus or
temporal lobe may cause bouts of spontaneous aggression. These areas are
involved with hormones, aggression, emotion and motivation; injuries to them
may also result in seizures and forms of amnesia. 70% of serial killers received extensive head injuries as
children or adolescents, clearly showing the link between these types of
injuries and serial murder. Some researchers believe that the pre-frontal
cortex (the area involved in planning and judgement) does not function properly
in psychopaths.
Source : http://listverse.com
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