Real-Life Monsters: A Psychological Examination of the Serial Murderer

by Stephen J. Giannangelo

Overview

This book presents an in-depth psychological analysis of the development of the serial killer personality that will fascinate all readers, from the experienced criminology student to the casual true-crime reader.

Real-Life Monsters: A Psychological Examination of the Serial Murderer takes a different approach than most titles on a similar topic: the author develops and proposes an original psychological explanation, rather than simply repeating some of the long-held theories for these criminals' heinous actions. The work addresses current issues, presents detailed commentary and personal observation, and contains photographs that will fascinate general readers interested in the subjects of true crime, serial killers, and psychopathology.

The first part of the book carefully examines the research past and present regarding clinical, psychological, societal, and biological bases for violent behavior, specific to the serial murderer. Part two establishes a novel theory of the pattern of violence and then explores this hypothesis through eight case studies, interviews with serial killers, and elemental analysis. The work also contains a chapter based on conversations between the author and a convicted serial murderer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313397844
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/06/2012
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	216
Sales rank:	678,415
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	1 - 17 Years

About the Author

Stephen J. Giannangelo is special agent supervisor for the Illinois Department of Revenue's Bureau of Criminal investigation.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xiii

Part I The Development of a Serial Murderer

1 Introduction: An Identification of the Offender 3

2 Clinical Diagnoses and Serial Killer Traits 13

3 Biology and Its Effect on Violent Behavior 33

4 Environment, Background, and Personality 43

Part II Toward an Examination of a Theory of Violence

5 Theoretical Discussion and Methodology 63

6 Case Studies 71

Case 1 Andrei Chikatilo 72

Case 2 Arthur Shawcross 77

Case 3 Jeffrey Dahmer 82

Case 4 Edmund Kemper 86

Case 5 Anthony Sowell 91

Case 6 Aileen Wuornos 96

Case 7 Dennis Rader 100

Case 8 Rodney Alcala 104

7 Reflecting on Case Studies 109

8 Theoretical Analysis and Development 121

9 A Conversation with a Monster? 129

10 Conclusion 143

Appendix A Case Briefs 159

Appendix B Glossary/Explanation of Terms 169

References 173

Index 185

Editorial Reviews

I believe that one will leave this book with a better understanding of and increased interest in gaining additional knowledge of the horrific topic of serial murderers—as well as some increased insight into one's own attraction to and repulsion from the frightening phenomenon. The book reads as a lively case discussion with an astute colleague rather than a text or a polemic providing data from an emotional distance.” —PsycCRITIQUES

From the Publisher