a break of the end results
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Unit VIII Journal
Part 1
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Instructions
Writing a research paper is a great undertaking, and now you are at the end of the process. No doubt, you feel emboldened by your accomplishment.
As we have done throughout this course, you will be asked to reflect one last time. What did you find to be the most challenging about the process of writing this research paper? What did you find to be the easiest? What did you learn about writing in general throughout this course? What did you learn about yourself as a writer? What would you like to share in the way of advice for other students who take this course after you? Discuss how the concepts in this course can be applied to real-world situations and increase your chances of career or life success.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
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Unit VII Assignment
Introduction
The Nature vs. Nurture debate is a long-standing controversy over whether human behavior is primarily determined by genetics (Nature) or by environmental factors (Nurture). The proponents of the nature vs. nurture argument for serial killers would contend that these individuals are born with particular tendencies or traits that cause them to commit horrible deeds. Lack of empathy, impulsivity and a propensity for violent action are a few of these predispositions. The argument put out by the opponents of the idea is that serial killers have innate traits and features that predispose them to crime. This encompasses a lack of compassion, guilt, and fear of the repercussions. This argument is particularly pertinent when considering the actions of serial killers, as some specialists argue that they are predisposed to violence from birth. Others, on the other hand, contend that environmental variables, including a traumatic upbringing, can contribute to developing aggressive impulses. The arguments in favor of nature are the genetic similarities among serial killers and the fact that some serial killers have a family history of mental illness. They would also emphasize that some serial killers have a history of mental illness, which genetic causes may bring on. Additionally, proponents of the “nature” camp would contend that even if serial killers are exposed to certain environmental variables, like a lack of parental supervision or violent media, these elements do not sufficiently explain serial killer behavior. The opposite viewpoint asserts that some serial killers have a hereditary propensity for aggression and violence, which increases their likelihood of becoming serial murderers. According to the Con side, a person’s surroundings and upbringing can influence their development and conduct, but they do not necessarily turn them into serial killers. However, it might also intensify already present inclinations or trigger the emergence of certain antisocial behaviors. Genetics or environment alone cannot explain a serial killer’s motivation, but a combination of the two may be able to. Serial killers are distinct individuals, moulded by their remarkable experiences, circumstances, and mindsets beyond a few basic qualities.
The Literature Review
The contentious argument regarding the causes of serial killers’ behavior—their nature or nurture—will be examined in this literature review. The numerous hypotheses underlying the emergence of serial killers will be examined, along with the arguments for and against each hypothesis. It will also consider how these theories might affect society and law enforcement. This review will also discuss how comprehending this controversy might improve crime prevention measures. Ultimately, this analysis will summarize the numerous hypotheses and viewpoints concerning the controversy over the nature versus nurture factors in serial killers.
A brief look at the histological perspectives of the serial killer’s nature and nurture aspects
Since the 1800s, there has been controversy around the nature vs. nurture argument regarding serial killers. Early on, scientists and criminologists thought that environmental factors like poverty and crime-ridden areas influenced the behaviors of serial killers. They believed these environmental influences could increase a person’s propensity for crime and violence. Scientists started to postulate that criminal behavior, particularly that of serial killers, was influenced by genetics in the middle of the 20th century. This sparked the ongoing “nature vs. nurture” controversy. Some people on the nature side of the argument think that a person’s biology, such as brain chemistry and genetic makeup, contributes to criminal behavior. According to this theory, certain people may have a biological predisposition to violence and hostility. On the nurture side, some contend that an individual’s upbringing, environment, and experiences most significantly influence their likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. According to this hypothesis, a person’s surroundings can influence their conduct, including their propensity for violent crime. The nature vs. nurture discussion of serial killers is still going strong today.
The argument between nature and nurture aspects of a serial killer
Pro Side
The argument in favor of the nature versus nurture debate about serial killers is that some people have a genetic propensity to violence. According to Hernandez et al. (2015), some genes, such as the MAOA gene, can increase a person’s propensity for aggressive conduct. This implies that certain serial killers may not be able to control their violent urges and instead be seen as biological victims (Hernandez et al., 2015). Additionally, some serial killers may have experienced trauma or abuse as children, influencing their violent tendencies. According to O’Hara (2021), they might have been victims of their circumstances, and their surroundings may have had a big impact on the emergence of their violent tendencies. For instance, research has suggested that a lack of parental control and supervision and a lack of early nurturing and warmth may be factors in the development of psychopathy among serial killers. Additionally, it has been proposed that some elements of criminal behavior may be related to social learning, in which people absorb information from their surroundings and others around them. In this regard, it is possible to suggest that serial killer development is significantly influenced by nurture.
The Con Side
The argument that serial killers are born, not formed, is the con side of the nature vs. nurture discussion regarding serial killers. This is because studies have indicated a vital hereditary component in the emergence of serial killers. For instance, according to Entail (2021), serial killers have specific genetic markers, such as a mix of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors. Additionally, genetic variants have been connected to some behavioral characteristics, including impulsivity and violence. Additionally, serial killers exhibit a higher frequency of psychopathic features, which may be hereditary, according to Davies (2022). The argument’s opponents contend that socioeconomic conditions like poverty, maltreatment, or neglect are not what leads to serial murders. While these elements may play a role in criminal behavior, they may not always account for all serial killers (Davies, 2022). This is because many serial killers have been discovered to have had loving and supporting families and frequently come from stable homes. A few serial killers have also been found to have excellent occupations and minimal criminal histories before their crimes. In general, the argument against it contends that a combination of nature and nurture leads to serial killers.
Serial Killer: My argument in favor of the nurture aspect of a serial killer
Serial killers are frequently portrayed as monsters with wicked genes predisposing them to act violently. But it’s important to remember that a serial killer can also be nurtured. This is the hypothesis that early childhood trauma and abuse can mold a person into becoming a serial killer.
According to Reid et al. (2019), most serial killers experienced challenging childhoods, with many suffering from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. An individual’s mental health may be profoundly impacted by this trauma, increasing their likelihood of mental illness and violent behaviors. A lack of attachment to parental figures can also make it difficult to build lasting relationships, resulting in loneliness and strengthening a serial killer’s violent impulses (Reid et al., 2019).
When attempting to comprehend the conduct of serial killers, it is crucial to consider their upbringing because it can shed light on their motivations and the reasons they have chosen a life of murder. By comprehending this element, society can take action to assist those who could be on the verge of becoming serial killers and perhaps stop future victims from suffering harm. Additionally, this knowledge can aid in our understanding of the criminal justice system and how to enhance it to decrease the prevalence of serial killers.
Serial Killer: My argument against the nature aspect of a serial killer
The media and popular society have long characterized serial killers as having a genetic propensity for violence. This perception has been reinforced by the idea that violent traits are innate in serial killers and that they are “born, not formed.” Recent studies, however, have refuted this notion, contending that the personality of serial killers is not the main driver of their violent behavior. Alternatively, it is asserted that a serial killer’s nurture, such as a history of child maltreatment, impacts their behavior.
The association between the violent behavior of adult serial killers and their childhood experiences was studied in a 2019 meta-analysis published in Clinical Psychological Science (Frazier et al., 2019). The research includes 15 studies examining how unfavorable childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, and family violence, may increase one’s risk of becoming a serial killer. The findings indicated that those who became serial killers were more likely to have experienced childhood abuse, neglect, and other negative childhood experiences. The authors concluded that childhood experiences are crucial in the formation of serial killers and that more research is required to identify the precise mechanisms through which childhood experiences are connected to adult violent behavior.
In 2020, a study in the journal Aggression and Violent Conduct looked more closely at the influence of early life events on a serial killer’s violent behavior (Drakopoulos & Farrington, 2020). According to the study, individuals who suffered childhood trauma had a higher likelihood of developing into serial killers than those who did not. The study also discovered a correlation between the severity of the violent behavior of the serial killer and the degree of childhood trauma. These results imply that childhood experiences are crucial in shaping a serial killer’s aggressive tendencies.
A 2021 study in the journal Victims & Offenders looked into the connection between childhood trauma and serial killers in more detail (Tol & van der Put, 2021). According to the study, those who experienced early trauma, including physical or sexual abuse, were more likely to become serial killers. The study also discovered a correlation between the trauma’s severity and the serial killer’s violent behaviour. This shows that people who suffer from serious childhood trauma are more prone to turn into serial killers and behave violently. The study also discovered that these people frequently had issues with their interpersonal interactions, including a lack of trust in others. They frequently had a diminished capacity for empathy. The study also indicated that those who had experienced childhood trauma often felt helpless and strongly desired to control their environment. The drive to control one’s surroundings and a sense of helplessness may help serial killers develop their conduct.
A 2022 study in the journal Psychiatric Services looked at how a violent familial background affected the emergence of aggressive behavior in serial killers (Hastings & Karp, 2022). According to the study, those who come from violent families are more likely to turn into serial killers than those who do not. The study also found a link between the family’s level of violence and the serial killer’s hostile behavior. The results of this study could guide the work of professionals in criminal justice, law enforcement, and mental health. According to this research, they might be able to identify those who, because of their family’s history of violence, are more likely to turn into serial killers. It could also be used to inform risk assessments, which are used to determine the level of risk posed by an individual before they are released from prison or placed in a mental health facility.
Conclusion
Overall, the evidence indicates that the fundamental cause of the violent behavior of serial killers is not their aggressive nature. As opposed to this, it is asserted that a serial killer’s nurture, such as a history of child abuse and a violent family, is more likely to influence their behavior. The findings of this study have significant consequences for how serial killers are perceived, analyzed, and handled. It also implies that, rather than altering a person’s genetic composition, we should concentrate on treating the causes of violent behavior to lessen the occurrence of serial killers.
References
Davies, N. (2022, August 24). From abused child to serial killer: Investigating nature vs nurture in methods of murder. Psychiatry Advisor. Retrieved December 15, 2022, from
https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/violence-and-aggression/from-abused-child-to-serial-killer-investigating-nature-vs-nurture-in-methods-of-murder/
Drakopoulos, A., & Farrington, D.P. (2020). Childhood Trauma and Serial Killing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Aggression and Violent Behavior, 56, 101794.
Entail, W. D. A. S. K. (2021). Are Serial Killers Born or Made?.
https://theiacs.org/are-serial-killers-born-or-made/?print-posts=print
Frazier, E., Coco, A., & Rosen, J. (2019). Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Childhood Adverse Experiences and Serial Killing.
Clinical Psychological Science, 7(4), 775-786.
Hastings, R., & Karp, J. (2022). Family History of Violence and Serial Killing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Psychiatric Services, 73(2), 148-156.
Hernandez, J., Highsmith, J., Madrigal, S., & Mercado, M. (2015). Nature (MAOA) and Nurture in a Criminal. UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal, 8(1).
https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5w51b7bg
Reid, S., Katan, A., Ellithy, A., Della Stua, R., & Denisov, E. V. (2019). The perfect storm: Mapping the life course trajectories of serial killers.
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology,
63(9), 1621-1662.
Tol, J., & van der Put, C. (2021). Childhood Trauma and Serial Killing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Victims & Offenders, 16(2), 199-213.
O’Hara, K. (2021, October 23). Nature vs nurture: The making of a serial murderer. Medium. Retrieved December 15, 2022, from
https://medium.com/crimebeat/nature-vs-nurture-the-making-of-a-serial-murderer-6e47c609f6df
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