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Learn MoreCriminal Psychology: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer
Criminal Psychology: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer
Are you fascinated by the dark side of human nature? Do you want to learn more about the psychology of serial killers?
Highest Rated
Created byKatherine Gray
Last updated 7/2026
English
What you'll learn
- You will learn about the history of criminal psychology, the early theorists and understand their contribution to Criminal Psychology
- You will learn the key psychological theories of criminal psychology and how they are applied to explain the violent criminal behaviour of serial killers
- You will learn and understand how environmental factors and adverse childhood experiences influence violent criminal behaviour
- You will learn and understand how biological factors influence violent criminal behaviour in serial killers
- You will learn and understand how Neuroscience can explain violent criminal behaviour in serial killers
- You will learn and understand how Personality Disorders can contribute to Violence and Serial Murder
- You will learn about Behavioural Profiling, the FBI Top Down Approach and the Bottom Up UK Approach to profiling of serial murderers.
- Pulling it all together: You will use your new knowledge to examine a real life case study and apply psychological theory to explain behaviour.
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Course content
9 sections • 49 lectures • 14h 19m total length
- Introduction to the Course - What you will learn!3:29
Welcome to the course! In this video synopsis, you will discover some of the topics you will learn in this course.
- My Learning Journey - What I would most like to learn about in this course
- What is Criminal Psychology and why is it important?2:40
In this lecture, we explore what Criminal Psychology is and why it is important. You may initially think criminals are criminals and should be punished regardless of what drove them to their crimes, however, criminal psychology allows us to understand WHY people commit crimes. This is especially important in crimes of serious sexual assault and murder. In understanding the intentions and motivations of why serial killers commit murder, criminal profilers, and law enforcement agencies can move quickly to capture them and prevent further murders and loss of life. Understanding the mind of a serial killer further helps investigators when interviewing suspects.
- An Introduction to The History of Criminal Psychology - Early Criminologists9:02
In this lesson, you will learn:
the history of Criminal Psychology and some of the earliest theories that contributed significantly to the development of Criminology and helped shape its path to where it is today.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the history of Criminal Psychology and some of the earliest theories that contributed significantly to the development of Criminology and how these early theories helped shape its path to where it is today.
- Step Back in History: The First Documented Serial Killer - Gilles de Rais3:00
Take a step back in history with me and learn about the first known serial killer, Gilles de Rais!
In this lesson you will learn:
about the first known serial killer, Gilles de Rais, his background, and his achievements prior to his descent into becoming a child serial killer.
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
understand who the first known serial killer, Gilles de Rais was, his background, and his achievements prior to his descent into becoming a child serial killer.
- The Psychology of Evil - What Makes a Child Grow up to become a Serial Killer?3:30
In this lesson you will learn:
How the FBI's Robert Ressler defines the path that serial killers take from childhood to serial killing as an adult
The Criminal Personality Research Project and how this provided valuable insights to investigators in understanding the motives and intentions of serial murder.
How the incidences of child abuse feature in the serial murderer population compared to the general population
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
Understand how the FBI's Robert Ressler defines the path that serial killers take from childhood to serial killing as an adult
Understand what the Criminal Personality Research Project is, and how this provided valuable insights to investigators in understanding the motives and intentions of serial murder.
Understand how the incidences of child abuse feature in the serial murderer population compared to the general population
- Early Biological Theories of Criminality4:00
In this lesson, you will learn:
the earliest Biological theories of criminal behaviour.
how many of these theories have contributed significantly to the field of Criminal Psychology
how these early Biological theories have influenced many modern theories in Criminal Psychology
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Understand the earliest Biological theories of criminal behaviour.
Understand how many of these theories have contributed significantly to the field of Criminal Psychology
Understand how these early Biological theories have influenced many modern theories in Criminal Psychology
- Frontal Lobe Trauma: The Incredible Story of Phineas Gage3:41
In this lesson you will learn:
the incredible story of Phineas Gage
why this tragic accident contributed significantly to the field of neuroscience
how it helped our understanding of the brain's structures and functions; particularly the role of the frontal lobe in emotional regulation, personality, aggression, and impulse control.
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
Understand the incredible story of Phineas Gage and what happened to him
Understand why this tragic accident contributed significantly to the field of neuroscience
Understand how it helped our understanding of the brain's structures and functions; particularly the role of the frontal lobe in emotional regulation, personality, aggression, and impulse control.
Please find the attached resources below to help you consolidate your learning.
- Brain Injury and Violence1:27
In this short reading lesson you will learn:
the relationship between brain injury and violence and aggression in serial murder.
how brain injury may be a contributing factor in serial murder
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
understand the relationship between brain injury and violence and aggression in serial murder.
understand how brain injury may be a contributing factor in serial murder
- Simple Brain Structures and Functions2:57
In this lesson, you will learn:
the main brain structures and functions.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the main brain structures and functions
apply your understanding of the main brain structures and functions
There are many more areas of the brain to discover, however, this lecture is aimed at the beginner level.
There is an activity for you in this lecture. Save your answers ready for the assessment at the end of this module.
- Genetics and Crime3:57
In this lesson, you will learn:
the early key theories on Genetics and Crime.
how to evaluate theories such as these and understand the basics of generalisation in research studies.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the early key theories on Genetics and Crime.
understand how to evaluate theories such as these and understand the basics of generalisation in research studies.
- Frontal Lobe Injury
- Behaviourism - Classical Conditioning7:36
In this lesson you will learn:
The learning theory of association, and the basis for fear conditioning in humans and animals:
this theory is known as Classical Conditioning.
The works of Ivan Pavlov - Pavlovian Conditioning (Pavlov's Dogs) of learning through association of stimuli in the environment
Watson and Raynor's fear conditioning study 'Little Albert'.
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
Understand the learning theory of association and the basis of fear conditioning in humans and animals.
Understand the Pavlovian Conditioning (Pavlov's Dogs) study of learning through association of stimuli in the environment
Understand Watson and Raynor's Little Albert study of fear conditioning.
*Please make sure you check the resources and downloads section for your additional lecture notes handout*
- Behaviourism - Operant Conditioning15:01
In this lesson you will learn:
The principles of Operant Conditioning and how this theory explains the process of learned behaviours through the following key principles: positive and negative reinforcement, and positive and negative punishment.
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
Understand the principles of Operant Conditioning and how this theory explains the process of learned behaviours through the following key principles: positive and negative reinforcement, and positive and negative punishment.
- Albert Bandura - Social Learning Theory10:18
In this lesson, you will learn:
Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory, and how this theory proposes that individuals learn violent and aggressive behaviour through observation.
By the end of this lesson, you will:
Understand Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory and how this theory explains the process of how individuals learn violent and aggressive behaviour through observation.
- The Cognitive Behavioural Understanding of Violence and Serial Murder6:47
In this lesson, we will explore the theories and models of violence that contribute to the cognitive behavioural understanding of violent behaviour and serial murder.
In this lesson, you will learn: Thee theories and models of violence that contribute to the cognitive behavioural understanding of violent behaviour and serial murder.
By the end of this lesson, you will:
Understand the theories and models of violence that contribute to the cognitive behavioural understanding of violent behaviour and serial murder.
- Classical Conditioning Quiz
- Operant Conditioning Quiz
- Attachment Theory - Maternal Deprivation7:20
In this lesson you will learn:
What attachment theory is
John Bowlby's theory of Maternal Deprivation and how this is believed to contribute to violent, criminal behaviour
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Understand what Attachment theory is
Understand John Bowlby's theory of Maternal Deprivation and how this is believed to contribute to violent, criminal behaviour
- Freud and Dann 1951 Study9:14
In this lecture, you will learn about the six orphaned children, who were rescued from a Nazi concentration camp by the Russians, brought to England, and formed a vital part of the study on privation by Anna Freud and Sophie Dann. This study presents a challenge to Bolwby's theory of Maternal Deprivation and is critical in understanding attachment theory.
By the end of this lecture, you will:
Understand the theory of Privation from Freud and Dann's 1951 study 'An Experiment in Group Upbringing'.
Understand Attachment Theory on a deeper level, and how secure attachment with others, other than a caregiver can provide a protective mechanism against 'Affectionless Psychopathy' as proposed by Bowlby in his theory of Maternal Deprivation.
Gain skills to be able to critically evaluate Attachment Theory, Privation, and Maternal Deprivation.
- Case Study: The Impact of Abuse and Neglect in Childhood28:55
In this lecture, you will learn why secure attachment is vital in early infancy, childhood, and adolescence. This lecture focuses on the true story of Beth Thomas, Child of Rage, who was adopted at an early age along with her younger brother John. The children suffered extreme abuse and trauma at the hands of their biological father, who had custody of the children after their mother died shortly after John was born and Beth was still a toddler.
The outcome for Beth was a good one, and this true story supports Freud and Dann's 1951 study 'An Experiment in Group Upbringing', from the perspective that a good, secure, loving environment can change the trajectory of an abused and neglected child's life from a destructive path to a positive transformation.
Read more below in the resources about Beth Thomas and who she became as an adult.
- Adverse Environmental Impact on Brain Development1:36
- Reflective Assignment
- Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory and Violence6:31
- Freud's Theory of Life and Death Instincts - Eros and Thanatos2:49
In this lesson, you will learn:
the principles and concepts of Sigmund Freud's Life and Death Instincts Drives Theory, known as Eros and Thanatos
how this theory seeks to explain aggression and violence
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the principles and concepts of Sigmund Freud's Life and Death Instincts Drives Theory, known as Eros and Thanatos
understand how this theory seeks to explain aggression and violence
- The Significance of Eros and Thanatos in Criminal Behaviour1:54
In this lesson, you will learn:
how Freud's Drives theory of Eros and Thanatos can be applied to explain criminal behaviour
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand how Freud's Drives theory of Eros and Thanatos can be applied to explain criminal behaviour
- Freud's Structural Theory of Personality2:27
In this lesson, you will learn:
the principles and concepts of Freud's Structural Personality Theory
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the principles and concepts of Freud's Structural Personality Theory
- Freud's Theory of Human Development - The Psychosexual Stages5:01
In this reading lesson, you will learn:
The principles and concepts of Freud's Theory of Human Development - The Psychosexual Stages
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the principles and concepts of Freud's Theory of Human Development - The Psychosexual Stages
- Frustration - Aggression Hypothesis5:15
In this lesson, you will learn:
How Freud's drive theory of Eros and Thanatos influenced Dollard et al 1939 Frustration Aggression Hypothesis,
The basic principles and concepts of Dollard et al. (1939) Frustration Aggression Hypothesis
How the frustration-aggression hypothesis can be applied to explain violence and criminal behaviour
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand how Freud's drive theory of Eros and Thanatos influenced Dollard et al.'s 1939 Frustration Aggression Hypothesis,
understand the basic principles and concepts of Dollard et al 1939 Frustration Aggression Hypothesis
understand how the frustration-aggression hypothesis can be applied to explain violence and criminal behaviour
- The Psychoanalytic Understanding of Violence and Serial Murder6:29
In this lesson, you will learn:
How the application of the psychoanalytic approach can help explain violence and serial murder
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand how the application of the psychoanalytic approach can help explain violence and serial murder
- Time to test your knowledge of Psychoanalytic (Psychodynamic) Theory of Crime
- An Introduction to Psychopathy and Serial Murder5:05
Lesson 1 0f 3:
An Introduction to Psychopathy
In this lesson, you will learn:
The history of Psychopathy, and the work of the early key theorist, American Psychiatrist, Herv Cleckley.
The identifiable traits and behaviours of Psychopathy as defined by Dr. Robert Hare in the PCL-R checklist.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the history of Psychopathy, and the work of the early key theorist, American Psychiatrist, Herv Cleckley.
Understand and be able to identify the identifiable traits and behaviours of Psychopathy as defined by Dr. Robert Hare in the PCL-R checklist.
The following 2 lessons delve into the fascinating yet unsettling realm of psychopathy and serial murder. Through a combination of theoretical study, case analyses, and psychological profiling, students will gain insight into the minds of psychopathic individuals and the complex dynamics associated with serial murders. These lessons aim to enhance understanding of these phenomena from both psychological and criminological perspectives.
In the Resources:
Please find the journal article from Brazil and Forth, which discusses the original PCL (Psychopathy Checklist) and provides the PCL Original Checklist on page 3. If you struggle to understand any of it, do please message me.
- Psychopathy and Serial Murder Lesson 29:15
Lesson 2 0f 3:
In this lesson, you will learn:
The psychological explanation for serial murder
How adverse and cruel behavioural markers in childhood and adolescence can manifest into serial murder in adulthood
The principles and concepts of The Macdonald Triad and how this is believed to be a precursor for violent behaviour, and how this links to the development of violent behaviour and Psychopathy in adulthood. The role of Neuroscience and Genetics in predatory violence
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the psychological explanation for serial murder
Understand how adverse and cruel behavioural markers in childhood and adolescence can manifest into serial murder in adulthood
. Understand the principles and concepts of The Macdonald Triad and how this is believed to be a precursor for violent behaviour and how this links to the development of violent behaviour and psychopathy in adulthood.
understand the role of Neuroscience and Genetics in predatory violence
Lesson Synopsis
This lesson delves into the fascinating yet unsettling realm of psychopathy and serial murder. Through a combination of theoretical study, case analyses, and psychological profiling, students will gain insight into the minds of psychopathic individuals and the complex dynamics associated with serial murders. This lesson aims to enhance understanding of these phenomena from both psychological and criminological perspectives.
- Psychopathy and Serial Murder Lesson 36:58
In this third and final lesson on Psychopathy and Serial Murder, you will learn:
How does the application of Interpersonal and Affective traits of Psychopathy to serial killer case studies explain behaviour
How other psychological disorders, Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Paraphilic Disorder Sexual Sadism, can co-exist with Psychopathy and how this explains serial murder
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand how the application of Interpersonal and Affective traits of Psychopathy to serial killer case studies explains behaviour
understand how other psychological disorders, Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Paraphilic Disorder Sexual Sadism, can co-exist with Psychopathy and how this provides an explanation for serial murder
- The Psychopathic Brain2:32
In this read-and-watch lesson, you will learn:
The key research and findings of studies examining the psychopathic brain
How the findings of these studies contribute significantly to our understanding of the psychopathic brain and serial murder
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the key research and findings of studies examining the psychopathic brain
understand how the findings of these studies contribute significantly to our understanding of the psychopathic brain and serial murder
- Anti-Social Personality Disorder10:45
In this lesson, you will learn:
The definition and characteristics of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
The diagnostic criteria for ASPD and how this is applied for diagnosis
How ASPD is associated with violent criminal behaviour
The prevalence of and comorbidity of other psychological disorders
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand and be able to identify the definition and characteristics of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
understand the diagnostic criteria for ASPD and how this is applied for diagnosis
understand how ASPD is associated with violent criminal behaviour
understand the prevalence of and comorbidity of other psychological disorders
- Understanding the Relationship between ASPD and Violent Criminal Behaviour8:17
In this lesson, you will learn:
The link between Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and Violence
The types of violent crimes committed by individuals with ASPD
The psychological theories that explain the association between ASPD and violence
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the link between Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and Violence
understand the types of violent crimes committed by individuals with ASPD
understand the psychological theories that explain the association between ASPD and violence
- Quiz on ASPD definition and characteristics
- Understanding Interactionism, Reductionism and Determinism in Psychology5:52
In this lesson, you will learn:
What is meant by Interactionism and the Interactionist Approach in Psychology
What is meant by Reductionism and the Reductionist Approach in Psychology
What is meant by Determinism and the Deterministic Approach in Psychology
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
Understand what is meant by Interactionism and the Interactionist Approach in Psychology
Understand what is meant by Reductionism and the Reductionist Approach in Psychology
Understand what is meant by Determinism and the Deterministic Approach in Psychology
This lesson will assist you if you are planning on studying Psychology above level 3.
- The Role of Behavioural Analysis in Criminal Investigations4:33
In this reading lesson, you will learn:
The definition of serial murder
How the role of behavioural analysis in criminal investigations plays a crucial role in assisting investigators
By the end of this reading lesson, you will be able to:
understand the definition of serial murder
understand how the role of behavioural analysis in criminal investigations plays a crucial role in assisting investigators
- Behavioural Profiling - Definition, History and Process of Behavioural Profiling16:50
In this lesson, you will learn:
What is behavioural profiling
A brief history of profiling and the critical theorists and contributors to the field of behavioural profiling
The process of behavioural profiling.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Understand and describe what behavioural profiling is,
Understand and describe the history of profiling and name the critical theorists and contributors to the field of behavioural profiling,
Understand and describe the process of behavioural profiling.
I do apologize for the length of this lesson being much longer than others; however, to split this lesson content up would have lost the flow of the learning experience! Please feel free to pause and restart wherever you need to, and if you get stuck, send me a message! I will do my best to get back to you as quickly as possible, but allow me 24 hours.
- The Four Types of Serial Killers - Typology and Sub Types4:22
In this lesson, you will learn:
The Four Types of Serial Killers
The sub-categories of these serial killer types, which are defined by intention and motivation.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Understand and be able to describe The Four Types of Serial Killers
And you will be able to:
Understand and describe the subcategories of these serial killer types, which are defined by intention and motivation.
- FBI profiling versus UK Profiling: Top Down, Bottom Up0:52
In this reading lesson, you will learn:
The FBI's top-down approach in profiling
The UK Bottom-Up approach in profiling
The key difference between the two approaches
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the FBI Top-Down approach in profiling
understand the UK Bottom-Up approach in profiling
understand and be able to identify the key difference between the two approaches
- The Psychology of Evil: Why?10:16
In this final lesson, we pull together the biopsychosocial approach in criminal psychology and neuroscience research in neurocriminology to explain why serial killers kill.
In this lesson, you will learn:
How to apply the biopsychosocial approach in psychology and neuroscience in neurocriminology to explain why serial killers kill
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
understand the biopsychosocial approach in criminal psychology
understand how to apply the biopsychosocial approach in psychology and neuroscience in neurocriminology to explain why serial killers kill
- Your Case Study Assignment Brief
- Charles Manson - Attachment Theory57:30
This is a live lecture recording where attachment theory is applied to explain behaviour. You will find with this lecture, resource materials to help you.
- Charles Manson - Application of The Biological Approach to Explain Behaviour53:44
This is a live lecture recording where the biological approach in psychology is applied to explain behaviour. You will find with this lecture, resource materials to help you.
- Charles Manson - Personality1:09:08
This is a live lecture recording where Personality theory is applied to explain behaviour. You will find with this lecture, resource materials to help you.
- John Wayne Gacy - The Killer Clown - A Freudian Analysis1:12:30
This is a live lecture recording where Freudian theory is applied to explain behaviour. You will find with this lecture, resource materials to help you.
- John Wayne Gacy - The Killer Clown - Psychopathy Primary and Secondary Traits1:00:02
This is a live lecture recording where primary and secondary traits of Psychopathy are applied to explain behaviour. You will find with this lecture, resource materials to help you.
- John Wayne Gacy - The Killer Clown - Frustration Aggression Hypothesis1:03:09
This is a live lecture recording where the Frustration Aggression Hypothesis is applied to explain behaviour. You will find with this lecture, resource materials to help you.
- Peter Sutcliffe - The Yorkshire Ripper38:10
- Ted Bundy - Insane or Evil? Attachment Theory and Adverse Early Childhood Events54:16
- Ted Bundy - Environment40:17
- Ted Bundy - Offender Profiling - Organised or Disorganised Killer Profile38:36
- Dennis Nilsen - Interview with Central Television2:42
- Dennis Nilsen - Psychopathy1:09:07
Requirements
- No previous knowledge of Psychology is needed, except willingness to learn and a keen interest in the field of Criminal Psychology. You will learn everything you need to know as I will take you step by step through the psychological theories that explain criminal behaviour and provide insight into the mind of a serial killer.
Description
Do you love watching TV Crime Series like Cracker, Wire in the Blood, Criminal Minds, and CSI?
Have you ever wondered why serial killers, kill?
Have you ever wondered, how an innocent newborn child grows up to become a gruesome serial killer?
Do you dream of working in the field of criminal or forensic psychology and want to study this area of psychology in further and higher education?
Or maybe you already work in the probation services, police force, other blue light services, or social services and would like to learn more about the criminal mind?
Then this course is for you! I will teach you step-by-step the Biopsychosocial factors that influence criminal behaviour.
As a foundation course, you will learn the theories that guide and inform Criminal and Forensic Psychologists in their work. This course will provide you with solid foundations and a depth of understanding of the Biopsychosocial factors that influence crime and deviance, particularly the end of the scale-serial killers.
You will learn the biological, psychological, and social theories but also the why of the mind behind such crimes; that is, the motivations, intentions, and thought processes behind the worst offenders in history.
At the end of the course, you will apply your knowledge to your very own case study assignment! You will be submitting a psychological profile of a serial killer, using the psychological theories and neuroscience you have learned in this course to explain behaviour. I will be marking your assignment, you will be given feedback, and the assignment returned to you.
So, step this way, into the fascinating world of Criminal Psychology: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer!
Who this course is for:
- Do you love watching TV Series like Cracker, Wire in the Blood, Criminal Minds and CSI? Do you want to learn more about the psychology of crime and deviance? Do you dream of working in the field of criminal or forensic psychology and want to study this area of psychology at further and higher education?