A serial killer is defined as a person who murders three or more people over a period of time, with a "cooling down" period between the murders, and the killings are separate events often driven by psychological thrill or pleasure
. Several factors contribute to what makes a serial killer:
- Psychological Traits: Many serial killers exhibit psychopathic traits such as lack of empathy, guilt, and remorse, egocentricity, and a need for control and dominance over their victims. They often present a "mask of sanity," appearing normal or even charming to others
- Motivations: The killings are usually motivated by a psychological or sexual thrill, with some serial killers classified as hedonistic, seeking pleasure from the act of killing. Subtypes include lust killers, who derive sexual gratification from torture and murder, thrill killers, and comfort killers
- Background and Abuse: Many serial killers have histories of childhood abuse-emotional, physical, or sexual-which may contribute to their violent behavior later in life
- Nature vs. Nurture: Research suggests a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Some serial killers may have brain abnormalities, genetic markers (such as the MAOA gene), or biochemical differences, but exposure to extreme violence or trauma during childhood often acts as a trigger for violent behavior
- Behavioral Patterns: Serial killers often select vulnerable victims to achieve feelings of superiority and dominance. Their murders are not typically driven by personal vendettas but by instinctual desires and fantasies, often involving strangers
In summary, serial killers are shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, biological, and environmental factors, including psychopathy, childhood trauma, genetic predispositions, and a compulsive need for control and thrill from killing
