Serial murder and the psychology of violent crimes

Abstract

The phenomena of serial violent crime has long plagued human civilizations. Far from being a contemporary notion unique to Western societies, serial murderers and other offenders who repeatedly engage in violent crimes such as rape or arson are examples of extreme criminal aberrations that exist in cultures around the world. This book assembles the collective expertise of an international group of scholars and practitioners who seek to explain the psychiatric, psychological and criminological factors that may account for the perpetration of these abhorrent crimes. The topics covered in this text examine the motivational dynamics of offenders including such dimensions as their apparent behavioral normalcy, sensational interests, sadism, narcissism, commonalties, gender and age patterns. Beyond psychological and etiological factors the topics encompassed by this book also consider investigative techniques, procedures, limitations and failures encountered with these forms of crime. This volume is likely to become an essential reference for forensic scientists, psychiatrists, psychologists and criminal justice, legal and law enforcement personnel involved in the investigation and prosecution of serial violent crimes. © 2008 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.