In this paper, it remains essential to consider the psychological characteristics of serial killers, considering that every one of them possesses features, motives, and actions that cannot be inherent in ordinary people. In conducting the literature review and case studies, the researchers seek to establish the reasons why the subjects do what they do and the impact of their actions on wider society. It will also evaluate the relevance of police reactions and consider areas for further study into the subject.
Another major concern addressed in research on serial killers is their psychological state. Different research findings indicate that most serial killers cannot empathize with their victims and cannot experience their pains, which acts as a measure of antisocial personality disorder assessments (Hegheș & Șchiopu, 2021). This is a chronic condition marked by complete disrespect for other people’s property and may include the ability to engage in criminal activities and not feel the slightest remorse or show any signs of empathy. The absence of remorse and empathy means that such a person cannot grasp the feelings and emotions of his victim or does not care to do so, as it empowers him to cause harm to others without affecting him in any way.
Other related characteristics encompass narcissism and grandiosity that are typical of serial killers. Narcissism can be described as self-orientation and pursuit of acclaim, whereas grandiosity can be described as Individualization and Overvaluation.
It is also relevant to underscore that there are other environmental factors that relate to serial killers, including violent exposure and social isolation (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2010). Further evidence reveals that children and youths who were raised in violent and unstable homes may well grow up to become aggressive and antisocial personalities. Further, the same might be compounded by social isolation, whereby the said person nurtures hatred with society and lacks societal norms that would otherwise deter him or her from undertaking a dreaded violent scenario.
Criminal profiling has now proven to be a valuable tool in the identification, tracking, and apprehension of serial killers through typologies that help in the categorization and prediction (Petherick & Brooks, 2020). Profiling means the analysis of the crime scene, the victim, and other circumstances in order to have a psychological and anthropological image of the offender. Unfortunately, this method has been beneficial on some occasions, for example, in the case of the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, who presented different and distinctive behaviors and whose profile was crucial to apprehending him.