Social and Legal Studios
ISSN 2617-4162
e-ISSN 2617-4170
Publisher: Lviv State University of Internal Affairs
Abstract
The relevance of the study is conditioned upon the elevated level of crime and scientific interest in determining the prerequisites for murders that are individual in nature, develop into a series of hidden intentions and have complex consequences for the life of society. Clarifying the psychological causes of serious crimes is important for preventive work in the defined area. The purpose of this study was to determine the personality traits of murderers, to identify the prerequisites for the formation of criminal behaviour, to investigate the classification and rating of serial crimes by cruelty and methods, to analyse statistical data on the commission of murders. In the study of the nature of serial murders, the following methods were used: the method of analysis and synthesis, the biographical method, the statistical method, and the generalization method. Using theoretical analysis, the psychological root causes of homicide drives, their main features and methods of implementation, and gender characteristics regarding the strength of committing a crime were identified; the data obtained were confirmed by real statistical indicators. The study highlighted the problem of increasing criminal cases caused by the mental state of the individual. The features of the psychology of the killer were covered, and the influence of childhood and life circumstances on the formation of the internal urge to commit murder was substantiated. The factors that encourage violence were identified. The types of serial killers were identified, and the “handwriting” of crime execution was analysed. The essence of impulsive and serial murder was delineated, and the concept of moral statistics as a provocative factor in committing a crime was covered. A psychological portrait of a serial killer was formed. Features of early research at the level of physiology and genetics were established. The presented theoretical material not only serves as an informational resource but can also be used in carrying out preventive measures related to early education, the methods of which have a preventive and correctional impact.
Keywords: crime; serial killer; mask of normality; McDonald’s triad; Herostratus syndrome
Suggested citation
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