Real-Life Monsters

by Giannangelo, Stephen J.

• ISBN13: 9780313397844
• ISBN10: 0313397848
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-07-06
• Publisher: BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
The Development of a Serial Murderer
Introduction: An Identification of the Offender	p. 3
Clinical Diagnoses and Serial Killer Traits	p. 13
Biology and Its Effect on Violent Behavior	p. 33
Environment, Background, and Personality	p. 43
Toward an Examination of a Theory of Violence
Theoretical Discussion and Methodology	p. 63
Case Studies	p. 71
Andrei Chikatilo	p. 72
Arthur Shawcross	p. 77
Jeffrey Dahmer	p. 82
Edmund Kemper	p. 86
Anthony Sowell	p. 91
Aileen Wuornos	p. 96
Dennis Rader	p. 100
Rodney Alcala	p. 104
Reflecting on Case Studies	p. 109
Theoretical Analysis and Development	p. 121
A Conversation with a Monster?	p. 129
Conclusion	p. 143
Case Briefs	p. 159
Glossary/Explanation of Terms	p. 169
References	p. 173
Index	p. 185
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