Nature vs Nurture: What Makes a Serial Murderer | Liz Shilling

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the nature versus nurture debate regarding serial killers, discussing whether genetics, upbringing, or psychological factors play the biggest role in shaping these criminals. The video delves into the case of Ted Bundy and his connection to crime writer Ann Rule, as well as Jim Fallon's research on the mao-a gene and its link to violence. It also covers the traumatic childhood experiences of serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer and John Wayne Gacy. The discussion includes psychological factors like psychopathy and how lack of empathy contributes to serial killings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nature vs. Nurture is a central debate when discussing what makes someone a serial killer, focusing on whether genetics or life experiences play the larger role.
• 😀 Ann Rule, a crime writer, became close friends with Ted Bundy while working at a suicide hotline, unknowingly befriending a future serial killer.
• 😀 Ted Bundy, despite being a friendly and calm person, was revealed to be the killer of 36 women, showcasing the complexity of understanding serial killers.
• 😀 Jim Fallon, a neuroscience professor, discovered that serial killers often have a gene defect (MAO-A) linked to increased aggression and violence.
• 😀 The MAO-A gene defect is found on the X chromosome, making men more likely to display violent tendencies when the gene isn't counteracted by a second X chromosome, as in women.
• 😀 The rarity of female serial killers is partly due to genetic differences, with fewer women having the MAO-A gene defect compared to men.
• 😀 Jim Fallon's research also revealed that his distant relative, Lizzie Borden, had this gene defect, although none of his immediate family members exhibited violent behavior.
• 😀 Family trauma plays a significant role in the development of serial killers, with figures like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and John Wayne Gacy all experiencing traumatic childhood events.
• 😀 Ted Bundy was deeply affected by learning his father was not who he had been told, which fueled his hatred towards women.
• 😀 Jeffrey Dahmer and John Wayne Gacy were both sexually and physically abused by their fathers, which led to their later violent behaviors towards victims.
• 😀 Warning signs of potential serial killers include animal abuse, arson, and bedwetting, often associated with power struggles and mental health issues from a young age.
• 😀 Psychopathy, a key trait of serial killers, is marked by a lack of empathy and is often a permanent condition linked to brain defects, while psychosis involves a temporary loss of touch with reality.

Q & A

What was the connection between Ann Rule and Ted Bundy?

Ann Rule worked with Ted Bundy at a suicide hotline in the 1970s. They became close friends, and she considered him her best friend. However, later she learned that Bundy was responsible for the murders of 36 women.

What is the main debate in understanding serial killers?

The main debate is whether serial killers are shaped more by genetics (nature) or by their life experiences (nurture). This is known as the nature versus nurture debate.

What was Jim Fallon's research about?

Jim Fallon, a neuroscientist, conducted research on serial killers' brain scans. He discovered that many serial killers have a genetic defect in the mao-a gene, which affects aggression and violence.

Why do men have a higher likelihood of becoming serial killers?

Men are more likely to become serial killers because the mao-a gene defect, which contributes to aggression and violence, is stronger in men. This defect is present on the X chromosome, and since men have only one X chromosome, they are more affected.

What did Jim Fallon discover about his family in his research?

Jim Fallon discovered that his distant relative, Lizzie Borden, was one of the first known female serial killers. Despite having the same genetic defect as serial killers, his other family members were not serial killers.

What was Ted Bundy's traumatic event during childhood?

Ted Bundy's traumatic event was learning from his mother that the man he thought was his father was not, which deeply impacted him. This led him to develop a hatred toward women and contribute to his future crimes.

How did Jeffrey Dahmer's childhood experiences influence his later crimes?

Jeffrey Dahmer was sexually abused by his father from the age of 8 onward. This abuse likely played a significant role in his later crimes, where he abducted and killed young boys.

What behaviors are considered warning signs for serial killers?

Warning signs for serial killers include animal abuse, arson, and bedwetting at an unusually old age (12-15). These behaviors often point to underlying mental health issues and social isolation.

What is the difference between psychopathy and psychosis?

Psychopathy is a personality disorder that involves a lack of empathy, often permanent, and is linked to criminal behavior. Psychosis, on the other hand, is a temporary loss of touch with reality and does not necessarily lead to violent crime.

How does the mao-a gene affect violent behavior?

The mao-a gene is linked to aggression and violence. A defect in this gene, especially in men, leads to stronger tendencies for violent and aggressive behavior, which can contribute to serial killings.