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  • Essay / Psychological problems in serial killers

    Table of contentsIntroductionBasic idea and main theoristsThe role of law, the definition of crime and the image of the criminalCausal logicImplications on the criminal justice system, including criminal justice policy, correctional ideology and crime control techniquesEvaluation/CritiqueIntroductionThe article I chose is "The Application of Learning Theory to Serial Murder" by Robert L. Hale. This article is about psychological theory, primarily psychodynamic theory. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the Original EssayBasic Idea and Main TheoristsThe basic idea of ​​this article is that serial murderers become attached to the act of killing due to an attempt to free himself from humiliation and to regain lost power. The article explains that killers behave in a certain way that makes sense to themselves, but not to others. It is said that if serial killing is a learned response to freedom from humiliation and regaining lost power, then it can also be unlearned (Hale, 1993). The psychodynamic psychology perspective was founded by Sigmund Freud. Psychodynamic theory states that the human mind performs three distinct functions. The conscious mind is the current state that individuals are most aware of. The preconscious mind contains elements of encounters that are outside the mind, but which can nevertheless be brought back to consciousness if necessary. The unconscious part of the psyche contains impulses that cannot be immediately experienced as thoughts. Parts of the unconscious contain feelings about sex and aggression, which are lodged deep in the mind (Siegel and McCormick, 2016, p. 178). The role of the law, the definition of crime and the image of the criminal. The law does not play a major role when it comes to serial killers because serial killers are rare. According to the article, it is very difficult to detect a serial killer because they usually have no relationship with their victims. Serial killers also lead very normal lives, remaining quiet and unnoticed for many years. Most of the time, serial killers will be identified by chance. The killer will then be arrested and charged, and this is where the role of the law comes in. Obviously, killing people is one of the most serious offenses that can be committed. Therefore, individuals who kill others receive the harshest penalties (Hale, 1993, p. 38). The definition of serial murder is as follows: is a particular type of violence in the class of multicides. Multicide makes it possible to distinguish mass murderers, spree murderers and serial murderers. According to the article, serial murders have five essential elements. First, sequential homicides generally have an individual connection. Second, the connection between the person in question and the attacker is usually that of a stranger. Third, the sequential thought processes of the executioner are not self-evident. Fourth, the sequential killer is persuaded to execute. Fifth, the central element is repetitive crime. Last but not least, the sequential killer will continue to commit murder if not stopped (Hale, 1993, p. 38). The image of the criminal may change from time to time depending on the situation, but most serial murderers do not become as sensationalized as Ted Bundy. Although most serial murderers kill repeatedly, the killings usually occur over a period of time. So it takes a long time before the murderer is arrested... 104).