Personality development of the serial murderer

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The phenomenon of serial murder is marked by a lack of scientific information and an abundance of fictional portrayals, leading to misconceptions about the crime. Existing literature often investigates the origins and motivations of serial homicide through narrow lenses, predominantly influenced by psychoanalytic theories, particularly those of Sigmund Freud. Other research efforts focus on creating classification models for serial killers, yet these often provide limited insights, concentrating on specific aspects like childhood internal conflicts. This study aims to explore the internal and external factors that shape the personality development of serial murderers, examining how these influences are internalized and manifested behaviorally. Utilizing a psychosocial perspective that incorporates three psychological theories, the research analyzes two case studies to offer a comprehensive explanation of each serial murderer's personality development and structure. This approach highlights the impact of both familial environments and the evolution of behavior and personality types. The work is designed to aid researchers, students, and law enforcement officers in understanding this complex phenomenon and to encourage further exploration into the dynamics of serial murder.