The Disturbing Trait That Almost All Serial Killers Share

Summary

This video explores the chilling traits of serial killers, emphasizing their lack of empathy, impulsive tendencies, and manipulative behaviors. It delves into the psychological disorders they often suffer from, such as psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder, and the difference between nature and nurture in shaping these traits. The video explains how serial killers justify their actions and highlights the common signs of manipulation they use to deceive others. It also discusses the role of childhood abuse, neglect, and lack of control in the development of their dangerous behavior, while shedding light on the methods investigators use to interview such criminals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Serial killers have become a widespread obsession, with documentaries and podcasts fueling the curiosity about them.
• 😀 Most serial killers suffer from personality disorders, such as psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder, with psychopathy being present from birth and antisocial behavior resulting from abusive childhood experiences.
• 😀 A key distinction is that serial killers are aware of the evil of their actions but lack empathy and don't care about the harm they cause.
• 😀 Serial killers exhibit 'predatory aggression,' meaning their actions are purposeful and lack emotional rage, similar to carnivores hunting for necessity, not out of anger.
• 😀 Serial killers manipulate perceptions and twist their behavior to control others, often shocking those closest to them, who cannot believe the person they knew could be capable of such evil.
• 😀 Abusive childhoods, including neglect and psychological abuse, are common among serial killers, influencing their lack of empathy and propensity for cruelty.
• 😀 A person’s childhood trauma can result in a need for control over others, particularly if they grew up in unstable environments or without proper emotional care.
• 😀 Serial killers almost always lack remorse, as they are unable to empathize with the pain or fear of their victims, allowing them to repeat violent acts without guilt.
• 😀 The 'power/control' serial killer is the most common type, where killers like John Wayne Gacy and Ted Bundy kill for the sense of power they gain from dominating their victims.
• 😀 Psychopathic serial killers often have a narcissistic sense of self-worth, which can be exploited during interviews by praising their intelligence and manipulation skills, as guilt-based strategies are ineffective.

Q & A

What are the two most common personality disorders among serial killers?

The two most common personality disorders among serial killers are psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder. Psychopathy is often present from birth, due to underdeveloped impulse control and emotional centers in the brain, while antisocial personality disorder typically develops due to abusive or neglected childhood experiences.

What is the key difference between psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder?

The key difference between psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder is that psychopathy is believed to be innate, stemming from underdeveloped brain areas responsible for emotional control, while antisocial personality disorder is considered learned, usually arising from a childhood filled with abuse or neglect.

Why is the 'not guilty by reason of insanity' defense rarely successful for serial killers?

The 'not guilty by reason of insanity' defense is rarely successful for serial killers because most serial killers are not mentally unable to distinguish right from wrong. They know their actions are evil but do not care, as their lack of remorse is often rooted in a lack of empathy.

What is 'predatory aggression' in serial killers?

'Predatory aggression' refers to the calm, purposeful behavior of a serial killer, which is likened to the aggressive behavior of carnivores. Serial killers kill to satisfy an internal need, not out of rage or provocation, and they believe others are inferior, justifying their actions.

How do serial killers manipulate people around them?

Serial killers are highly skilled at manipulating those around them by preying on their insecurities and twisting perceptions. They can control others so well that even close family and friends are often shocked to learn about their true nature.

What role does childhood abuse play in the development of serial killers?

Childhood abuse is a significant factor in the development of serial killers. Studies show that a large percentage of serial killers experienced maltreatment, including physical, sexual, psychological abuse, or neglect, which can lead to a lack of empathy and a propensity for cruelty.

What is the connection between neglect and a serial killer's lack of empathy?

Neglect during childhood, particularly the lack of emotional support from caregivers, can prevent children from developing empathy. As a result, these children may grow up unable to empathize with others, a trait that can contribute to their ability to commit violent acts without remorse.

Why do serial killers lack remorse for their actions?

Serial killers lack remorse because they do not feel empathy for their victims. The inability to empathize with a person's pain or fear makes it easier for them to commit repeated acts of violence without feeling guilty.

What are 'power/control' killers and can you name some examples?

'Power/control' killers are serial killers who derive satisfaction from having control over their victims. They enjoy the slow process of deciding how and when their victims will die. Examples of 'power/control' killers include John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, and Dennis Rader (the BTK killer).

How does flattery work as a technique when interviewing serial killers?

Flattery is often used by investigators during interviews with serial killers, particularly psychopaths. These killers often have a grandiose sense of self-worth and respond better to praise, such as compliments on their intelligence or skill, rather than attempts to evoke guilt or sympathy.