Nature vs. Nurture: The Origins of Serial Killer Behavior

Allie Mitchell Professor Gross ENGL 102 3 April 2022 Argumentative Research Essay The origin of serial killing urge is a controversial topic that deserves better consideration and analysis before making any conclusions. Many assume that the desire to kill that proves a potential force in serial killers is hereditary, inbuilt, or uncontrollable. However, before making any sound conclusion, it is imperative to consider different views from credible sources on the topic. Nevertheless, it is essential to have an idea of the definition of a serial killer. To this effect, one can argue that a serial killer is a person who murders more than one person within a defined interval period that reflects a particular sequence. These characters kill in a manner that involves contact with the victim and thus cannot be considered an unintentional murder. At the same time, responding to whether serial killers are born or created, this essay hypothesizes that serial killers are not born killers but created through their life experiences. Using the Nature vs. Nurture theory, it is clear that serial killers are not born. Instead, they become created through their environment, thus the need to consider a serial killer's upbringing before judging their criminal life. In order to have a better understanding of the root cause of serial killing urge, it is imperative to consider a thorough literature review on the topic to ascertain whether different scholars’ arguments support, counter, or disagree with this report's hypotheses. Paying close attention to the Nature vs. Nurture theory (pg 1-12) emphasizes human behavior driven by genes vs. those created by the environment such humans dwell in throughout their lives. Based on this theory, one can acquire a behavior through gene-environmental interactions, which becomes a challenge to do away within the long run. While arguing from this theory's point of view, it is clear that no one is born with specific behavior. On the contrary, people embrace behaviors that their environments expose them to, and well-regulated commands from their genes allow for success in the newly formed trait. The theory supports this paper's hypothesis confirming that serial killing behavior is not a born-with behavior but acquired after exposure to gene-environmental driven forces that change and shape the characters' killing behavior. An interview proves among the most significant primary sources in response to any topic of study. In an interview with Diane E. Hughlett, a Ph.D. holder in clinical psychology, MEd, NCC, LPCC, and BIP (all credentials well reflected on the reference page), it remained clear that serial killers are not born killers. On the contrary, serial killers are victims of childhood trauma that expose them to embracing crime as a way of relieving their long-held torture experiences. Responding to whether serial killers are born killers, Hughlett argued that "learning on peer-reviewed research, serial killers are individuals who have suffered parental abuse and severe trauma as a child." Hughlett further added that "Behavioral Sequence Analysis has been used to map histories of serial killers from birth to conviction. So, my professional opinion based on research is that serial killers are not born killers but develop the trait as they grow from childhood into adulthood, and BSA measures this." Arguing from Hughlett's perspective, one can confirm that with better mental health check-ups and counseling, serial killers can become tamed and diverted from their embraced criminal trait. However, in response to whether serial killers get enough access to mental facilities, Hughlett confirms that only a fe