How Serial Killers are born Nurture vs.

Nature

Rio Ferrand-Rodgers

English IV Mrs. Jones 26 March 2014

Nurture vs. Nature For centuries there have been debates on whether serial killers are formed from nature or nurture. The study from world renowned doctors gives us an inside look into a serial killers mind. Many facts point to their upbringing while others are pointing to mental illnesses.

I.

Intro a. Serial killers are traditionally defined as a person who has murdered three or more people over a period of more than a month, with down time (a "cooling off period") between the murders. The motivation for killing is usually based on psychological gratification. b. Are serial killers formed from the nurture aspect of their lives are the nature. c. Mental illness is a huge factor in which serial killers possess.

II.

Motivators a. How is their homelife

b. How are they treated at school c. Do they have Mental Chemical Imbalance III. Nature: Early Detection a. biological psychological b. genetic factors c. inherited traits d. killing animals e. destroying dolls

IV.

Later Detection a. Schizophrenia b. Sociopathic

For centuries there have been debates on whether serial killers are formed from nature or nurture. Studies from medical doctors and psychiatrists give readers an inside look into a serial killers mind. Many facts point to their upbringing while others to mental illnesses. The 1976 thriller Carrie demonstrates many examples of unfit nurturing, causing Carrie to show erratic behavior, that of a serial killer. Research suggests that children who experience high volumes of mental and physical abuse become very violent in their adulthood. (Long Term Effects). According to a university professor Doctor Helen Morrison most serial killers suffer from extensive mental health issues throughout their life. Well-known serial killers Dennis Neilson and Richard Ramirez were later diagnosed to be schizophrenics and suffer with borderline personality disorders. What influences have nurture and nature had on serial killers and their motives to kill? In the 2003 Aileen documentary entitled Life and Death of a Serial Killer mental examinations were performed on a dozen serial killers to determine whether nature or nurture played a role in their actions. Research concluded that predetermined genes play a significant role in their homicidal ways (Aileen 2003). There are two different types of serial killers the Organized Killer, the Disorganized Killer and the Medical

Killer. These killers are distinctively different but all share a common ground. The Organized Killer is the most common form of a serial killer, planning their murders carefully and concisely. stalk their victims for days, weeks or even months. The organized killers often try to learn their victims patterns to capture them. After the premeditated murder they make sure to leave no evidence behind. In doing so these killers hardly ever get caught. In a 1969 case study of organized serial killers doctors suggest that these offenders have had mental disorders since childhood. Oddly enough they believe they are in fact helping the community by disposing of these people. The second type of serial killer is the disorganized killer. He/she kills viciously leaving evidence, and all traces of murder behind. Often traveling from state to state killing who ever cross their paths. Majority of the time the offenders suffer from childhood abuse killing to fill a void in their childhood. Jeffrey Darham, a notorious serial killer was once an active teenager involved in sports and maintained a 3.5 grade point average in school. He grew up in a middle class family with affectionate parents. The doctors involved in his trail diagnosed him with Borderline Personality Disorder (Jeffrey They

Durham Wiki 1994). During their examinations it was determined Durham did not endure any mental or physical sufferings during childhood. Jeffrey Durham was said to kill over eighteen men in the course of seven years. When police searched his home they found over twenty different dismembered remains in his freezer, basement and even in his bed room. He performed sexual acts on the bodies before consuming them. He was also said to drink the blood of his victims so they would always remain a part of him. Many psychiatrists believe that all serial killers have some sort of psychological disorder. However the true debate lies in what disorder truly has an effect on their behaviors. There are several different types of mental disorders a serial killer might have. The three that are commonly found are intermittent disorder, conduct disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. The first is Intermittent Disorder which is defined as a behavioral disorder characterized by extreme expressions of anger, often to the point of uncontrollable rage. Their actions are disproportionate to the situation at hand. (Mayo Clinic) This disorder is usually found in serial killers who dismember their victims body or overkill them.

The second is Conduct Disorder which is known as a range of antisocial types of behavior displayed in childhood or

adolescence. The disorder is said to be found in serial killers who lack the nurture aspect of their lives and lash out to get attention.

Last but not least Antisocial Personality Disorder is very common amongst serial killers this disorder consist of a personality disorder characterized by amorality and lack of affect; capable of violent acts without guilt feelings (`psychopathic personality' was once widely used but was superseded by `sociopathic personality' to indicate the social aspects of the disorder. This would have to be the most dangerous disorder of them all this is commonly found in the most notorious serial killers. A killer what this disorder has no boundaries for any type of crime they commit they would go to any length to do bodily harm to a human.

Most psychologists believe that the nature aspect has everything to do on how a human mind is molded. Some psychologists are currently researching to prove this theory. A mental illness is defined as a psychotic disorder that controls your thoughts, behavior, and actions (Science of mental Illness).It is often believed that these illnesses run through their family genes. While their biological parents might not carry the disease their

grandparents or other extended family members often have various mental illnesses. In the interview of Ted Bundy he states that I grew up in a wonderful home with two dedicated and loving parents, as one of 5 brothers and sisters. We, as children, were the focus of my parents lives. We regularly attended church. My parents did not drink or smoke or gamble. There was no physical abuse or fighting in the home. Im not saying it was Leave it to Beaver, but it was a fine, solid Christian home. I hope no one will try to take the easy way out of this and accuse my family of contributing to this. I know, and Im trying to tell you as honestly as I know how, what happened. (Bundy interview 1989) In this quote Ted Bundy explains that his home life was not in any way dysfunctional or even abusive. In the interview of Jeffrey Durham he discloses that My childhood wasnt filled with any great tragedies or anything. There were bad times and there were good times and bad time, I think it was fairly normal. (Durham Interview) After these interviews with two of the most notorious serial killers it leads doctors and other medical professionals to question their theories of the nurture of serial killers. It is said and believed by many that the nurture vs. nature claim doesnt prove anything which indeed it does. The claim gives

readers a scene of understanding when trying to figure out what possess a person of any nature to carryout crimes with such ghastly acts. Nature plays a significant role in the behaviors of serial killers. The statistics reveal that in order for the number of nation serial killers to reduce they must set up programs that detect early genetically embodied mental illnesses in children. Research suggests that even though there might be metal or physical abuse to a childs upbringing it has little to do with the crimes committed by most serial killers. Most doctors may conclude that if person is provoked to extreme measures it is hardly likely for them to kill someone or for that matter to even continue killing humans over various times.

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Serial Killers and Related Investigations from the Crime Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2014

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