The Psychology of Serial Killers

I recently had the opportunity to go to a presentation by Dr. Rachel Toles on the psychology of serial killers. As many of my readers are aware, a couple of my books are about serial killers.

Dr. Toles is both informative and entertaining, an excellent combination for such a serious and sometimes gruesome subject.

Dr. Toles focused on a few well known killers. Each was different in some way, though all managed to escape capture for years. While I find all serial killers fascinating, Jeffrey Dahmer stands out as my favorite subject of interest. I had learned about the serial killer triad, also known as the Macdonald Triad. Developed in the 1960’s, this controversial theory was put forth by psychiatrist JM Macdonald who believed there were three childhood indicators of future violence and predatory behavior. If a child exhibited two of these behaviors it indicated a predisposition to severe sociopathic or homicidal behavior. Even the FBI jumped on the bandwagon using the scale to identify potential killers.

In recent years the theory has been debunked as an accurate tool. Let’s face it, not every child who wets the bed and uses a magnifying glass and the sun to kill ants will become a serial killer. It’s not a diagnostic. In reality, the “triad” behaviors are more likely indicators of child trauma. Children from abusive homes or families where they are neglected use these as coping mechanisms. In other words, the triad may be a symptom of childhood abuse rather than a prediction of future violence. It should be noted that animal brutality could raise a red flag to future escalating cruelty.

Animal Cruelty: Intentionally harming or torturing animals.
Fire-setting: An obsession with starting fires.
Enuresis: Persistent bed-wetting well past the typical age (usually beyond age five).

I’ve never felt that Dahmer fully fit that description. I felt somewhat vindicated when Toles reported Dahmer loved animals. However, that doesn’t change the fact that he murdered and dismembered seventeen boys and men between 1978 and 1991. Nor does it explain the nine years between his first and second killings.

One of the most informative and interesting parts of Dr. Toles presentation was a 9-Point Formula she developed. This is a “cumulative psychological “formula” or model used to understand the behavioral pathways and environmental factors commonly shared by most serial killers.” The formula looks at biological and developmental aspects that contribute to the formation of a serial killer.

1. Genetics and Generational Trauma
2. Mother: Ages 0-3
3. Father
4. Home
5. Early Imprint Ages 3-5
6. Brain Injury
7. Bullying
8. Fantasy Period: Ages 8-12
9. Hormones

Personally, I find the theory of generational trauma and/or genetics contributing to serial killers fascinating. Generational trauma or intergenerational trauma isn’t only experienced by one person, perhaps a parent or other close relative, but passes from that individual to the next generation. (HTTPS://hollyhillhospital.com/blog/understanding-generational-trauma-breaking-the-cycle/)

Anyone interested in serial killers and what makes them tick definitely needs to attend one of Dr. Toles ‘ presentations. Both informative and entertaining, it is well worth the cost of a ticket. It might even be fun for a first date, a girls’ night out, or a bachelorette get-together. I plan to go again if Dr. Toles is in my neck of the woods.