Author: Alina Yang
Editors: Ian Cho, Hwi-On Lee
Artist: Rachel Zhou
In recent years, there has been a notable rise of interest in true crime within the media; Law&Crime Network, Rotten Mango, Boze vs. The World, and True Crime Daily are only some of the most popular true crime channels on YouTube. This isn't too surprising—serial killers have always been a source of public fear and fascination. Their incomprehensible evil and psychological complexity often invite both professionals and amateurs to delve into their psyches, seeking explanations for their behavior and confronting the terrifying fundamentals of human nature, morality, and the capacity for evil. When investigating these individuals, we frequently encounter one question: are serial killers born or made?
Trauma is a recurring theme in the biographies of most serial killers, often originating in childhood. They are frequently subjected to physical or sexual abuse, family dysfunction, and emotionally distant or absent parents, which forces them to suppress emotional responses. This suppression can lead to an inability to empathize and "feel" in a typical manner. Studies have shown that the constant and severe repression of emotions can cause damage to the frontal lobe, the brain region responsible for impulse control.
Psychopathy, characterized by a lack of empathy, is commonly observed in serial killers. While this trait can drive success in high-functioning psychopaths, who are often found in influential positions, unsuccessful psychopaths behave irrationally and impulsively, unable to control their actions. These individuals are driven by psychological thrills and pleasures, seeking out experiences that provide them with a sense of excitement and power.
Furthermore, many serial killers exhibit traits of narcissistic personality disorder or borderline personality disorder. These disorders exacerbate their inability to form healthy relationships and reinforce their compulsive and destructive behaviors. It is important, however, to recognize that not all serial killers are psychopaths, and not all psychopaths are serial killers. Thus, the significant impact of early trauma and personality disorders on their development does not, in and of themselves, fully explain the actions of these individuals.
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to violence. The MAOA gene, often referred to as the "warrior gene,” has been linked to increased aggression. The predominance of male serial killers can be partially attributed to the fact that the MAOA gene is more active in men, making them more susceptible to its effects. The MAOA gene encodes for monoamine oxidase-A, an enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin. A mutation in this gene is associated with lower levels of dopamine, leading to higher levels of aggression.
Hormonal imbalances also play a significant role in influencing aggressive behavior. Studies have shown that psychopathy and aggressive tendencies are related to a high ratio of testosterone to cortisol. Testosterone activates subcortical areas of the brain, which can produce aggression, while cortisol and serotonin work antagonistically with testosterone to mitigate its effects. The genetic mutation of the MAOA gene and hormone levels can significantly impact an individual's behavior, potentially predisposing them to violent actions.
The notorious case of Jeffery Dahmer illustrates the role of neurological abnormalities and his compulsive need to control and possess his victims. Dahmer's murders were characterized by their extreme brutality and necrophilia, with his tendency of dominating his victims even after death. Despite being labeled “legally sane” at trial, Dahmer had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Schizotypal Personality Disorder, conditions that hindered his relationship with others, and thus led to isolation and antisocial behavior.
Similarly, the story of Aileen Wuornos, who endured severe abuse and trauma before becoming a serial killer, highlights the significant impact of environmental and psychological factors. She was abandoned by her mother, raised by her grandparents, and subjected to sexual abuse by her grandfather and his friends. By her early teens, she was homeless, engaging in prostitution to survive. Her life of exploitation and abuse left her deeply scarred, leading to a distrust of others and a tendency toward violent outbursts, providing a possible explanation to her eventual murders of seven men.
Taking these case studies into account, the question of whether serial killers are born or made becomes much more complex. It cannot be answered with a simple dichotomy; evil is the result of the genetic, environmental, and psychological factors in one’s life. Yet as society continues to explore these dark aspects of human nature, advocating against the stigmatization of mental illnesses becomes essential. It's crucial to recognize that not everyone living with conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder will resort to a life of crime or violence. While it's important to avoid normalizing or romanticizing the actions of serial killers, it's equally imperative to destigmatize mental illness. Stigmatization not only adds unnecessary burdens to individuals already grappling with their conditions but also perpetuates misconceptions and hinders access to necessary support and treatment.
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