Shorena Kvartskhava and

Mariam Chanturia

International Black Sea University

Faculty of Law
THE PSYCHOLOGY
OF A SERIAL
KILLER
The term ‘serial killer’ strikes fear deep into
the hearts of most. However it is often
thought that fear is what drives some
curiosities, thus finding it appropriate to
understand why serial killers commit
horrific acts of violence repetitively. It has
been found that many serial killers
encompass similar emotional development
issues. Studies of known serial killers have
unveiled similarities between them as early
as infancy. Infancy, childhood and
relationships with one’s mother are often
among the key parallels of serial killers
 Formation of a
serial killers

Relationships
Infancy Childhood
with mothers
Infancy is one of the most significant stages
in the development of the human.
Emotionally, infancy is crucial to the proper
development of the adult personality. The
first twelve months are especially critical to
the development of emotions such as
remorse and affection. If a child does not
receive acceptable attention and physical
touch during this time period they may
suffer substantial personality disorders in
the future. The infant develops a sense of
only itself. It is no surprise that a common
characteristic of serial killers is that they
were adopted.
As does infancy, early childhood
is key to the formation of a serial
killer. Commonly, serial killers
were isolated from their peers as
children. Many serial killers
suffered from weight problems,
stutters and learning problems
such as dyslexia. It is clear that
aggression begins in early
childhood. Loneliness may lead
to the evolution of fantasies as
these ‘serial killers in- the-
making’ are frequently alone.
Childhood trauma has also been linked to serial killers.
Studies have revealed a number of significant statistics
supporting the idea that mental and physical trauma may
have lasting effects upon an individual. 42% of
convicted serial killers suffered from physical abuse as
children, 74% suffered from psychological abuse. 35%
of serial killers witnessed sexual abuse and 43% were
sexually abused themselves.

Many feminists disdain the idea
of the mother assisting in the
creation of serial killer. Feminists
argue that it is just another way
for men to blame women for their
downfalls.
This notion is empirically
supported to an extent,
Another common characteristic however as 66% of known
among serial killers is their serial killers were raised
relationship with their mother. with the mother as the
The mothers of these ‘monsters’ dominant figure.
tend to breed men that hate females.
The mothers may be over
controlling, overprotective,
physically abusive and emotionally
abusive. According to one
psychologist, Sigmund Freud, males
try to reach autonomy with their
mother. If the child is unsuccessful
this will result in rage.
 The decay of these offenders’ personalities begins at infancy for
many and continues through childhood and into adulthood. The
serial killer tends to be neglected during significant stages of
infancy, where in which the development of the human personality
begins. As these offenders enter childhood they are still at a
disadvantage socially, often as a result of abuse and parental issues.
Serial killers often lack self control, It seems as if socialization
plays a large roll in the formation of these monsters.
Thank you for your
attention