Citation

Marono A, Keatley DA. Psychiatry Psychol. Law. 2023; 30(4): 447-458.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Law, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13218719.2022.2040397

PMID

37484505

PMCID

PMC10360974

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to compare and contrast non-cannibalistic and cannibalistic serial killers. Using case study data, the present study assessed common patterns among the life histories of cannibalistic serial killers compared to those of a control sample of serial killers that did not commit cannibalism. These include but are not limited to childhood experiences, socio-economic status, biological abnormalities and life events.

RESULTS indicated that factors that may differentiate cannibals from non-cannibals likely result from childhood influences, rather than influences at the time of the kill.

FINDINGS may be used to identify potential warning signs or triggers for cannibalistic behaviour.

Language: en

Keywords

risk factors; homicide; cannibalism; profiling; serial killers