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The Psychology of Serial Killers
Rating: 4.2 out of 5(260 ratings)
2,941 students

The Psychology of Serial Killers

Learn about the psychological factors involved in serial murders.
Created byCenter for Forensic Mental Health (CFMH)
Last updated 8/2020
English

What you'll learn

  • Students will learn about the various psychological factors related to serial killer pathology
  • Students will learn about the FBI's serial killer typology as well as motives based typology
  • Students will learn psychological, biological, and social factors related to serial killer populations.

Course content

7 sections • 32 lectures • 1h 48m total length

  • Introduction to Course2:10

    This lecture will review the course syllabus and provide information related to content and structure.

  • Serial Murder vs Murder2:21

    Explore how serial murder differs from other homicides through intentional premeditation, repetition, and behavioral patterns, and examine psychological factors driving a compulsive drive to kill.

  • Definition of Serial Murder4:08

    This lecture will define "serial murders" and explain the criteria required to meet the operational definition.

  • Prevalence of Serial Murders + ACTIVITY3:55
  • Debunking Common Myths1:32

    This lecture will introduce section content related to common myths about serial killers and their characteristics.

  • Myth 1: All Serial Killers Are Men1:35

    Challenge the myth that all serial killers are men by noting that 17 percent are female and that Aileen Wuornos was the first labeled female serial killer in 1989.

  • Myth #2: All Serial Killers Are Caucasian2:52
  • Myth #3: All Serial Killers Are Isolated and Dysfunctional Loners2:38
  • Myth #4: All Serial Murderers Travel Widely and Kill Interstate4:50

    Debunk the myth that serial killers travel widely; most operate within a defined geographic area anchored to residence or employment, with exceptions like Bundy who killed across several states.

  • BONUS ACTIVITY: JACK THE RIPPER DOCUMENTARY0:20
  • Myth #5:All Serial Killers Are Either Mentally Ill Or Evil Geniuses+ DOCUMENTARY5:19
  • BONUS ACTIVITY: SON OF SAM DOCUMENTARY YOUTUBE0:01

Requirements

  • No requirements.

Description

‘‘I was a normal person. I had good friends. I led a normal life, except for this one, small but very potent and destructive segment that I kept very secret and close to myself’’.

-Ted Bundy.

This course will take you through the various aspects that lead to serial killings. We will look at the psychological research related to the development of sexual deviance, the influence of trauma, and the social factors which can contribute to serial killer formation.

The course syllabus will cover the following questions:

  • What defines a serial killer?

  • Are all serial killers caucasian and male?

  • Do all serial killers have schizophrenia?

  • What is behavioral profiling and does it work?

  • What leads an individual to commit serial murders?

These questions and more will be answered throughout this course!


****Please note that this course will cover many difficult topics including murder, sexual assault, and abuse. Some students may find these topics difficult to learn about. Please be mindful of your reactions. Practice self-care.


We hope you find this course educational! Do forget to leave a review. We appreciate any feedback.

Who this course is for:

  • All levels interested in forensic psychology

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