Question: Is there a set pattern in childhood trauma and neglect that leads to an individual being more susceptible to violent criminal development?
Topic overview:
Criminal behavioural analysts believe that there is a connection between violent crime and the childhood of its perpetrator(s), especially organised killings. Many psychological studies show that an increase in household violence and neglect can negatively influence their child. Children learn through observation, and their behaviours often reflect their parents’ treatment, either towards them or something else. Furthermore, psychological events and conditioning (trauma, fear, punishment) also play a heavy factor in childhood and individual behaviours.
The following criminals will be a part of this study: Adolf Hitler(1889-1945), Ted Bundy (1946-1989), and Shoko Asahara (1955-2018).
Here is a small run down on each of them: Adolf Hitler, a failed art student who became the leader of the Nazi party, and the one responsible for the death and torment of millions of Jews. Ted Bundy, a well liked and educated law student who became the serial killer of many young college women. Shoko Asahara, born to a poor family, became a cult leader responsible for a deadly gas attack in Tokyo’s subway. Although they’re all from different backgrounds and situations that may have influenced their decisions, I hope to explore a psychological and environmental connection between them. All of them are highly sophisticated killers, but come from different classes and status in society. They all had a neglectful childhood and eventually grew resentment for their family in the future. They all exhibited a desire for control, domination, and importance.
This study’s goal is to compare the differences and similarities of different violent criminals’ childhoods to conclude whether or not their childhoods have an influence on their future crimes. Are there early signs of potential violent criminals? And if so, what are they? Are they related to a certain personality? Are certain personalities more susceptible to certain crimes? Does the environment impact the crime that’ll be committed? And is there a way to deter them from a path of violence?