Psychological Problems in Serial Killers

Introduction

The article I chose is “The Application of Learning Theory to Serial Murder” by Robert L. Hale. This article relates to psychological theory, mainly psychodynamic theory.

Basic Idea and Major Theorists

The basic idea of this article is that serial murderers become attached to the act of killing due to an attempt to release humiliation and to regain lost power. The article explains that killers behave in certain ways that makes sense to themselves, but not to anyone else. It is said that if serial murder is a learned response to release humiliation and to regain lost power, then it can also be unlearned (Hale, 1993).

The psychodynamic psychology perspective was founded by Sigmund Freud. Psychodynamic theory states that the human mind performs three separate functions. The conscious mind is the present state that individuals are most aware of. The preconscious mind contains components of encounters that are out of mind, yet can be taken back to awareness if required. The unconscious piece of the psyche contains urges that can't promptly be experienced as thoughts. Some parts of the unconscious contain sentiments about sex and aggression, which are housed in the back of the mind (Siegel and McCormick, 2016, p. 178).

The Role of Law, the Definition of Crime, and the Image of the Criminal

The role of law doesn’t play a major role when it comes to serial killers because serial killers are rare to come across. According to the article, it is very hard to detect a serial killer due to the fact that they usually don’t have any relationship with their victims. Serial killers also live very normal lives, staying low-key and under the radar for many years. Most of the time, serial killers will be identified by accident. This will then result in the killer being arrested and charged, and this is when the role of law comes into play. Obviously, killing people is one of the most serious offences that can be committed, therefore, individuals who kill other people, are given the most severe sentences (Hale, 1993, p. 38).

The definition of serial murder is as follows: it is a particular type of violence in the class of multicide. The fact of multicide helps distinguish between mass murderers, spree murderers and serial murderers. According to the article, there are five essential components of a serial murders. First, sequential homicides generally have a one-on-one connection. Second, the connection between the person in question and the attacker is typically that of an outsider. Third, the sequential executioner's thought processes are not quickly self-evident. Fourth, the sequential killer is persuaded to execute. Fifth, the focal component is repetitive crime. Last but not least, the sequential killer will keep on murdering if not halted (Hale, 1993, p. 38).

The image of the criminal may change from time to time based on the situation, but most serial murderers don't become as sensationalized as Ted Bundy. While most serial murderers kill multiple times, the killings are generally spread out over a period of time. Therefore, it takes a long time before the murderer is caught. However, when the culprit is caught, the media tends to report and/or exaggerate the elements of the crime in order to profit. Overall, this creates a very negative and quite scary image of serial killers. Even though they are rarely caught, when they are, the media causes the public to fear them more than they should (Hale, 1993, p. 38).

Causal Logic

Causal logic is the connection between a condition and a specific outcome, with one occasion prompting the other. In this case, how does a serial murderer become a serial murderer? Well, the killer has typically encountered some kind of communication that has left him/her embarrassed. Killing, as result, becomes a way to conquer mortification. The killing itself, turns into a good feeling that helps the murderer reestablish what he/she believes is right. A circumstance where an individual may be embarrassed or humiliated is when an individuals character or self-worth is attacked. The murderer must keep on killing to maintain self-esteem and to cover up his/her past (Hale, 1993, p. 39).

Criminal justice system implications, including criminal justice policy and Correctional ideology and Techniques of crime control

Serial killers get charged / convicted with multiple life sentences. The charges will very from case to case. Serial killers will most likely not see another day outside of jail. If killers are discharged despite everything, they won’t have lives outside of prison. However, releasing serial murderers out of prison is unheard of. Once released, they would technically be put under the supervision of parole officers and meet specific conditions in order to maintain freedom. Practically speaking, this implies potential limitations on living arrangement, work and travel. In addition, the stigma and repercussions of possessing a hefty criminal record will make reintegration for the offender extremely unlikely.

Serial killers are viewed as beyond repairable and are sent to prison. But according to Alexander and French’s hypothesis, there is a possibility that serial killers can be transformed over time by overcoming the dreadful things that happened to them in the past. A counsellor or psychologist could potentially convince the killer that his/her circumstances and/or embarrassment isn't as serious as he/her once thought it to be. The killer can then start to overcome the past memories (Hale, 1993, p. 43).

There are many different ways to stop crimes like this to happen. One of the main ways Canada stops these types of crimes is by practicing deterrence. Deterrence is the attempt dissuade people from breaking the law or keeping current offenders from reoffending. Deterrence involves ensuring the punishment exceeds the advantages of wrongdoing so it's not worth the risk. Usually prison is used as a method of deterrence, however, it may or may not be effective when dealing with a serial killer. (Linden, 2019)

Evaluation / Criticism

I do not agree on what is being said in this article. I don’t believe psychological theory is adequate as it focuses too much on the offender, and not the role of the victim. I believe that Lifestyle theories are much better in explaining the role of the victim. Lifestyle theories outline specific lifestyle choices which can make a person more susceptible to being a victim. The article says that serial killers victims are “random”. However, the victims aren’t necessarily random, but may be victimized because of opportunity. The serial killer, is likely victimizing a particular person because they are an “easier target”. Certain lifestyle choices, such as going out and parting, may make you more likely to be a target. Overall, certain choices make certain individuals more likely to be victimized. Therefore, serial killers victims shouldn’t be considered “random”. Less secure ways of life lead to higher chances of danger (Siegel and McCormick, 2016, p. 104).