Family physical, psychological, and sexual abuse and deviant behavior in serial killers

For as long as serial killers have existed, people have wondered how they were created. “Nature versus nurture” is one such argument individuals use to try to understand what creates a serial killer. This study does not analyze what specifically creates a serial killer; rather, it analyzes factors that may contribute to the serial killer's actions. Specifically, this research questions how different forms of abuse may contribute to deviant behavior in serial killers. This study will be conducted using content analysis through reports from former FBI profiler Joe Navarro, publications on the effects of childhood abuse, biological factors that may contribute to one’s potential for criminal behavior, and biographies on serial killers who have reported experiencing childhood abuse. This study's ultimate goal is to increase the understanding of what contributing factors affect the serial killer's behavior, including how childhood abuse may impact the serial killers’ actions at the crime scene and the victim.