Psychologists claim that it is possible to spot a potential serial killer, and according to a new study, there are four key traits you should look out for.
Researchers from the University of Bamberg in Germany analyzed the statements of 45 sexually motivated serial killers active over the past 60 years.
The results showed that these individuals had four distinct narcissistic traits:
Grand rivalry – It consists of devaluing others and aiming for supremacy.
Excessive grandiose admiration – it appears as self-promotion and an extreme need for admiration.
Sensitive insulation – withdraws from social situations to protect fragile self-esteem.
Sensitive hostility – includes paranoia, aggression, and a feeling of being treated unfairly.
Psychologist and criminologist Evangelia Ioannidi, author of the study, told PsyPost:
“The psychology of serial killers is more complex than people think. They are not driven solely by ego or the desire for power. Many display grandiose traits, but equally important are their sensitive sides – anger, over-sensitivity and a sense of injustice.”
These two sides, she says, explain why their violence is so personal and motivated by control.
Study and data
For the study, Ioannidi and colleagues used the Radford/FGCU Serial Killer Database, which contains data on over 1,043 individuals.
From this source, they identified 45 male murderers active between 1960 and 2021, motivated primarily by sexual desire. All acted as independent individuals, were adjudicated competent to stand trial, and were convicted.
The number of victims for each ranged from 2 to 22, with an average of 8.04 victims.
Analysis of interviews and statements revealed that:
Sensitive hostility was identified in 84% of cases (38 out of 45).
Sensitive isolation in 58% of cases.
Grandiose admiration at 76% and grandiose rivalry at 71%.
The features often appear combined, creating a balance between a grandiose exterior and a sensitive interior.
The researchers emphasize that these traits should not be interpreted as direct predictors of extreme violence. Many people with narcissistic tendencies never commit crimes.
Types of serial killers by motive
The study categorizes serial killers according to their motive:
Visionary killer – affected by psychosis, hallucinations or delusions
Killer on a mission – believe they need to eliminate specific groups of people
Killer for pleasure – find excitement and pleasure from the act of killing
Killers for power and control – pleasure comes from total domination over victims, often through sexual abuse
Lust killers – their acts primarily motivated by sexual impulses or paraphilias
This study highlights the psychological complexity of serial killers and shows that behind every violent act may lie a combination of overconfidence and extreme sensitivity. /GazetaExpress/
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