Biological Trait Theory and Serial Killers
There is a constant discussion of the origins of criminal behavior. For centuries various theories on deviant behavior were created by scholars in different spheres. Depending on the field, scientists called criminal behavior either an influence of dark satanic powers (like religious scholars of the earlier days), or an acquired manners, or even a genetic predisposition. Throughout times new theories were created, but still there is no definite explanation of why some people commit crimes, while others don’t. One of the main questions is the role of nature and nurture in the development of deviant behavior that leads to criminal urges. Within the Trait Theory, which views criminal activity as a consequence of abnormal biological and psychological traits, there are the Biological Trait Theories, which emphasize the relations between various natural (physical, psychological, genetic etc.) factors and tendency to commit unlawful acts. This study focuses on the role of natural causes in the acts of serial killers.
There are various types of theories that use biological reasons as an explanation of criminal behavior. Some earlier theories were stating that from the appearance of a person one can say if she/he has a predisposition to misdemeanor. Such traits as a low forehead were considered to be more common among criminals. Later on, new theories were developed, and the emphasis was moved to the biochemical processes in the bodies of criminals, as well as their genetic characteristics. Currently well-developed medical equipment allows to study criminals from various points of view and analyze their physical conditions as well as compare them to those of “normal”, law-abiding citizens.
Currently there are numerous proofs stating that biological factors have strong influence on one’s behavior and desire to commit crime. More than 10 years ago, back in 2000, Dr. Richard Davidson conducted a study of 500 people, among which were those convicted of murder (Ramsland, 2005). This study has shown a distinct brain activity of all of the criminals, thus biochemical balance of those who have higher predisposition to unlawful actions is different. At the same time, an associate professor at Florida State University’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Kevin Beaver, has stated that around 50 percent of person’s violent behavior can be attributed to genetics. Moreover, this physical predisposition can be seen from the early years of a person. According to the studies conducted in New Zealand from early 1970s and for 30 years on, the less self-control children are displaying at the age of 3, the more likely they are to commit a crime 30 years later (Cohen, 2011). Taking into consideration the fact that at the age of 3 a person is rather influenced by biological factors than by the society, there is a clear connection between physiological peculiarities of a person and predisposition to crime.
Predisposition, still, is not a guarantee that a person becomes a criminal. The majority of researchers still believe that nurture and social surrounding play more important role in the development of serial killers than biological factors. Criminologists and social behavioral psychologists emphasize that the experiences that a person lives through in early childhood stimulate violent behavior of serial killers more than any genetic predisposition. These scholars have even defined some personality traits and social conditions that definitely have an influence on the further actions of serial killers. For example, the majority of serial killers have abused or killed animals in their childhood (Corin, 2004). These actions were caused by the feelings of abandonment, powerlessness, etc.
Biological Trait Theories state that there are some physical differences that separate people with predisposition to criminal behavior from the law-abiding citizens. At the same time, the majority of modern criminologists and psychologists emphasize the importance of nurture, social surrounding and particular childhood experiences in the development of serial killers. Therefore, although there might be some biological factors that define one’s preference of criminal activities, the environment in which one is raised and nurtured still has the leading place in the development of serial killers.
