Mental health specialists at the University of Glasgow
have conducted the first review of published research into what causes
people to undertake serial killings and mass murder.The report, which is the first of its kind to look at all the
available material around serial and mass killers, identified that a
complex interplay between neurodevelopmental problems and psychosocial factors are most likely to lead to incidences of this kind.
The report's main findings are that:
- 28% of eligible killers were suspected to suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- 21% of eligible killers had suffered a definite or suspected head injury in the past.
- Of those killers with ASD and/or head injury, 55% had experienced some psychosocial stressors in the past.
The findings, published in the Journal of Violent and Aggressive
Behavior, show a relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders, such
as ASD or head trauma, and psychosocial disorders, such as exposure to
physical or sexual abuse during childhood. The researchers note that a
person suffering a neurodevelopmental disorder or a brain injury by
itself does not result in a serial killer or mass murderer.
Researchers also note that research into mass and serial killings is
still at a rudimentary stage and that new research is urgently required
so that preventative strategies can be developed. The paper recommends
the design and implementation of a system of standardised tools for
investigating all instances of mass and serial killings in the future.
Lead researcher, Dr Clare Allely, from the Institute of Health and
Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow, said: "It is crucial to note
that we are not trying to suggest that individuals with ASD or previous
head trauma are more likely to be serial killers or commit serious
crime. Rather we are suggesting that there may be a subgroup of
individuals within these groups who may be more likely to commit serious
crimes when exposed to certain psychosocial stressors.
"Research on mass and serial killing is still very much in its
infancy. New research is urgently required to understand the mechanisms
underlying these extreme forms of violence so that preventative
strategies can be developed. We would recommend that in future, all
serial or mass killers who are apprehended should be thoroughly assessed
using standardised tools for investigating neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD and head injury."SOURCE
(Medical Xpress)—
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