Any given day we are more afraid of them than Ghosts. Serial killers have been a common topic for various debates and discussions. There are people who spend hours to analyze as to what makes the serial killers do what they do. Many people have many theories about them.
Many people have many theories about them.
Some feel that they suffer from psychological problems, while some feel that they are the victims of the society. Whatever be the reason, it was found that many serial killers share some very common traits.
Here are some signs that one might find in a potential serial killer.
1.They might have a disturbed childhood
Studies have shown that most of the serial killers suffer from a disturbed childhood. It has been seen that most serial killers grow up lonely and isolated.
Serial killers often suffer from sexually stressful events in childhood. On the other hand, there have been many serial killers who had a perfectly normal childhood.
2. Lack of proper sexual relationship
Lack of proper sexual relationship can actually make one a serial killer. There was a serial killer called Andrei Chikatilo, whose penis was almost scarred because of over masturbation.
It has often been seen that sex is one of the most important factors that motives serial killers to kill. According to an FBI, 81% of the serial killers were motivated to kill for sex.
3. Sadist activities like aggressive and violent behavior towards animals
The Macdonald triad is a set of three behavioral characteristics of a potential serial killer. The triad was first proposed by psychiatrist J.M. Macdonald.
Although they initially they are just aggressive towards animals, but soon humans too become their subjects. Inflicting harm on others gives them a strange satisfaction.
4. They wet their beds
Believe it or not, but it is a trait that many serial killers share. It might be seen as a perfectly normal activity but according to J.M. Macdonald, people who wet their beds after the age of 12, might become serial killers in the future.
More than 60% of the serial killers share this trait.
5. Playing with fire
It is the third sign of a serial killer according to the Macdonald triad. It is said serial killers are obsessed with the idea of control and power. Playing with fire and burning things often satisfies their urge for control.
Slowly, as they grow up, their obsession with power increases turning them into serial killers.
6. They are generally anti-social
It has found that they often suffer from an Antisocial personality disorder. This disorder often makes them loners. It is said that because of this disorder, they have very little or no empathy. Therefore, they often do not feel any guilt or remorse.
This also explains the fact why more than 70% of the serial killers prey on strangers.
7. Severe head injuries
A major head injury can turn a person into a serial killer. It is said that because of the injury they often lose their control over their actions.
According to a study, around 21% of the serial killers experience head injuries in the past.
8. They are often over-inquisitive
Another very common trait is that most of them are over inquisitive in other people’s affairs. Studies have shown that most of the serial killers suffer from voyeurism – they love to spy on other people’s lives and this somehow gives them a sense of power and control.
Often what begins with harmless voyeurism might actually end with murder.
9. They often have a high IQ
This might come as a shock to you, but it has been seen that many serial killers generally have a very high IQ. It is said that it is their high IQ that actually helps to perform their deadly deeds with a cool head and without getting caught. Sounds like Hannibal Lecter?
10. They are good manipulators
Another strange trait that many serial killers share is their ability to manipulate people. According to the FBI, charm, manipulation, and intimidation are some of the common traits associated with a serial killer.
It has been proved more than 65% of serial killer victims were attracted or manipulated by them.
11. Prone to substance abuse
Often many serial killers have a long history of substance abuse. Alcohol is something that connects many serial killers together.
It has found out that almost all of the impulsive murderers were drunk when they committed their crime.
So, if you find someone who finds someone who has all these traits then it must take care of not yourself but also that person.