A recent study has uncovered common traits among serial killers, offering insights into their psychological profiles.
Researchers from the University of Bamberg in Germany conducted a study involving 45 male serial killers over a span of 60 years, focusing on those with sexually-motivated crimes.
This research utilized the Radford/FGCU Serial Killer Database, which encompasses data on over 1,040 individuals. The findings reveal that these offenders typically exhibit four distinct narcissistic traits: grandiose entitlement, deep vulnerability, resentment, and hypersensitivity.
According to the FBI, a serial killer is classified as someone who unlawfully kills two or more victims in separate events, though some definitions specify three or more victims.
The study, appearing in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, categorized the traits into ‘grandiose rivalry’, ‘grandiose admiration’, ‘vulnerable isolation’, and ‘vulnerable enmity’.
‘Grandiose rivalry’ involves devaluing others and a drive for dominance, while ‘grandiose admiration’ is linked to a craving for admiration.
Many serial killers exhibit arrogance, but the vulnerable traits suggest they often grapple with paranoia, aggression, and a sense of unfair treatment.
This can lead to social withdrawal to protect a fragile ego, which is described as ‘vulnerable enmity’.
The study focused on 45 male serial killers who acted alone between 1960 and 2021, with crimes motivated by sexual desires.
The number of victims per killer ranged from two to 22, with an average of 8.04 victims.
Researchers analyzed interviews with these serial killers, finding that ‘vulnerable enmity’ appeared in 84 percent of statements, making it the most common trait.
‘Vulnerable isolation’ was identified in 58 percent of cases, followed by ‘grandiose admiration’ (76 percent) and ‘grandiose rivalry’ (71 percent).
Identifying a serial killer, however, remains challenging.
Study author Evangelia Ioannidi notes that the psychology of serial killers is more complex than merely self-importance; it involves vulnerability as well.
“These offenders aren’t driven only by ego or the desire to feel powerful,” Ioannidi explained to PsyPost.
“While many exhibit grandiose traits, there is also a significant vulnerable aspect marked by resentment, hypersensitivity, and a profound sense of being wronged.
“These two sides together explain why their violence is highly personal and driven by control.
“Understanding these complexities doesn’t excuse their actions, but it helps in comprehending the intricate psychology behind such crimes.”
The study highlights the ‘pronounced presence of both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism in sexually motivated serial killers’.
“[We] provide a more nuanced understanding of how different narcissistic dimensions may coexist and interact in this offender group.
“These traits deepen our understanding of the psychological mechanisms present in sexually motivated serial killers.”
However, the researchers caution that these traits should not be seen as direct or exclusive indicators of such extreme violence.