Sexually motivated serial killers and the psychology of aggression and “evil” within a contemporary psychoanalytical perspective

Abstract

This theoretical paper explores the concept of evil, dislodged from its philosophical and religious underpinnings, and the concept of aggression from within a contemporary psychoanalytical perspective, and links these two concepts in such a way that the concept of evil is located psychologically and (re)defined as destructive aggression that emerges as violence against another. Within this discourse, the argument presented is that sexually motivated serial killers are evil. Evil is thus viewed as both premeditated violence and reactive to a perceived sense of threat or endangerment. Moreover, it has the essential element of psychological pleasure in inflicting pain on another. Related to this perceived threat, these types of serial killers may be viewed as protecting a weak and inadequate sense of self. In this context, serial killers’ heinous acts of destructive aggression are re-enactments of past insults, resulting in victims being the symbolic representative of past tormentors.

Keywords:

• Aggression
• evil
• serial killers
• psychoanalysis

Notes

1. These crucial developmental needs are psychological in nature and are for attachment, bonding, attunement and periods of emotional contentment and protection from unwanted experiences.

2. Psychoanalysts refer to “pre-oedipal” development as the mother–infant dyad and the psychological process, whereby the infant's sense of self emerges as separate from the mother's. This stage of development is thus before the psychological introduction of the literal or symbolic “father” (the third other) into the mother–infant dyad. Once the father becomes part of the psychological experience of the infant, development is known as “oedipal” development.

3. It is recognized that early psychoanalytical theories were gender-biased and thus interpreted as mother-bashing/blaming. However, the intention today is to understand that “mother” can be understood to include any significant caretaker in the early development of the child.