Have you ever felt an intense anger where you thought you might harm someone? Many have experienced this feeling, but a criminal psychologist explores whether some individuals are inherently predisposed to kill or if this potential exists within all of us.
After a particularly stressful day and a heated argument, you may have envisioned taking revenge. However, for most people, these thoughts remain just that—thoughts.
But under specific conditions, could anyone be driven to kill?
Statistics indicate that men are significantly more prone to committing murder than women, with men responsible for 90 percent of homicides in the United States.
Dr. Shaw, a psychologist and host of a true crime podcast, stated: “I am frequently asked if anyone can kill and whether I, myself, might possess that capability.
“Simply put, I believe everyone does have the potential, but not necessarily at this moment.”
In a session with LADbible TV, the German-Canadian criminologist, who has also explained how to detect a narcissist with one simple question, suggested that anyone might resort to killing under the right circumstances.
She noted: “At present, I find it unlikely that I would kill someone, especially not someone who hasn’t posed a threat to me.
“However, should several risk factors arise, such as job loss, financial struggles, substance abuse, or associating with negative influences, the likelihood increases.”
These challenging life events don’t inherently turn someone into a murderer, nor does a difficult upbringing, according to the 38-year-old expert. However, they can be considered ‘risk factors’ for violent behavior.
Dr. Shaw further explained: “If I struggle with anger management due to life becoming more complex and make more impulsive and angry decisions…
“Murder often results from a confrontation that escalates beyond control.”
Based on CDC crime data, most murders occur without premeditation; approximately one-third of killings are sparked by an argument or conflict, with another 22.9 percent happening during or shortly after a crime like a robbery or drug deal.
One in seven murders occur in domestic settings, where women are notably more likely to be the victims.
This reality is often misrepresented in media portrayals, where killers are depicted as executing their plans with careful calculation. Such portrayals can mislead perceptions about who might be capable of murder.
“It’s rare that someone, as shown on TV, is preparing weapons for a specific target,” Dr. Shaw clarified, “It’s more about managing anger, mental health, and navigating life’s challenges effectively that determines this capability.
If these challenges affect you or me, then yes, we could potentially kill.”
Previously, Dr. Shaw shared a straightforward approach to identifying narcissists by directly questioning them about their self-perception.
“How do you spot a narcissist? Ask them,” she said. “A narcissist might respond, ‘Yes, but I am better than most people. It’s simply an accurate assessment of myself,’ because that is the essence of narcissism.
“It’s characterized by overconfidence and an inflated sense of superiority.”