Title

The Psychology, History, and Impact of American Serial Killers

Abstract

Abstract

The topic of my BIS437 project is the history, psychology, and impact of American serial killers. Many Americans wonder what makes a serial killer's mind different from an average citizen's. My project will start by detailing precisely what psychological aspects are involved with serial killers. It will describe how these killers thrive on power and the feeling of being in charge. It details how serial killers will go to any lengths to achieve control over another person. It will explain how child abuse, neglect, trauma, and mental illnesses all impact who becomes a serial murderer. It will have peer-reviewed information about what psychiatrists believe is mentally wrong with serial killers. It will explain how these monsters almost always target smaller people than they are, like women and children.

The next section of my project will share serial killers' long and horrible history. It will begin by introducing past killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, the Green River Killer, and many others. It will explain how each of these people committed their crimes. It will detail their victims and how long their killing sprees went on. This section will show what type of people the killers went after and their reasoning for doing so. It will tell rather each serial killer committed their crimes because of a sexual urge, the pursuit of control, or for other reasons.

The last section of my project will explain the impact that serial killers have on society. It will explain why people have such a fascination with serial killers. It will explain exactly how the media displays serial killers. It will inform why serial killers get remembered or even praised more than their victims. This section will end by informing people of the importance of looking for warning signs of neglect, abuse, or mental illnesses in children.

Year Manuscript Completed

Fall 2022

Senior Project Advisor

George Barton

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Social Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

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