5740470- Nature vs Nurture.edited (2)111133 (1)
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English-123
Ewa
The Role of Nature in Shaping Serial Killers
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English-123
Ewa
15 June 2023
The Role of Nature in Shaping Serial Killers
Numerous studies have been conducted to comprehend the complex aspects that lead to the development of serial killers since they have long been a source of curiosity and fear. The conflict between nature (biological variables) and nurture (environmental factors) dominates the discussions on this subject. This essay explores how nature shapes serial killers, concentrating on the biological characteristics that set them apart from the average populace.
My essay seeks to show that innate biological characteristics play a crucial part in creating serial killers by analyzing the evidence from studies on brain shape, genetic predispositions, early symptoms of psychopathy, case studies, and the lack of environmental consistency.
The presence of biological
abnormalities in brain structures, genetic predispositions like the "warrior gene," early indicators of psychopathy, case studies, and the lack of environmental consistency among serial killers all suggest that inherent biological factors play a significant role in the emergence of serial killers.
Biological Factors
Serial killers frequently display distinctive biological traits that distinguish them from the
general population. According to studies, numerous serial killers exhibit anomalies in the structure and operation of their brains. For instance, neurological scans of the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus—regions linked to impulse control, emotions, and memory—have shown differences (Herting et al.). These anatomical defects may make people more likely to engage in violent behavior by predisposing them to hostility and a lack of empathy.
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Genetic studies have also identified a few gene variants that may make aggressive behavior more likely. According to McSwiggan et al., the MAOA gene, also called the "warrior gene," is associated with aggressive behaviors. Studies have revealed that serial killers had a higher incidence of this gene, indicating a genetic basis for their propensity for violence. These biological elements prove that serial murderer development is influenced by nature.
Early Signs of Psychopathy
A personality disorder called psychopathy is frequently linked to serial murders.
About 1.2% of U.S. adult men and 0.3% to 0.7% of U.S. adult women are considered to have clinically significant levels of psychopathic traits. Those numbers rise exponentially in prison, where 15% to 25% of inmates show these characteristics (Burton, B., & Saleh, F. M.,
Psychiatric Times
, Vol. 37, No. 10, 2020). Its defining characteristics are a lack of empathy, deceptive behavior, and disrespect for social norms. Research reveals that psychopathic features are noticeable from a young age, indicating a substantial genetic component, despite claims that environmental influences, such as childhood trauma, contribute to the development of psychopathy. Studies on identical twins have consistently shown a greater concordance rate for criminal behavior than on non-identical twins (University of Delaware). This is because identical twins have the same genetic composition. This demonstrates that hereditary causes primarily influence psychopathic tendencies. Furthermore, research following people from birth to maturity across time has discovered that psychopathic qualities frequently endure, lending credence to the idea that these traits are deeply embedded and affected by nature.
Case Studies and Family History
Additional proof of the role of genetics in serial killers' development can be found by looking into their family histories. Numerous well-known serial killers, such as Henry Lee
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Lucas and Ottis Toole, had relatives who were violent or had criminal tendencies (Davies). This reinforces the claim that nature is crucial and suggests a hereditary component in their propensity
for violence. Furthermore, despite being reared in different contexts, twin studies involving identical twins who were split at birth have found startling parallels in their criminal behavior (Lange). As their common genes surpass the influence of environmental circumstances, this emphasizes the importance of genetic factors in determining the predispositions of serial killers.
Lack of Environmental Consistency
Serial killers frequently originate from diverse backgrounds and experiences, defying the nurture argument. One would anticipate a more predictable pattern in their upbringing if environmental influences were the primary determinant. However, the variety of their backgrounds and the lack of a particular environmental trigger indicate that internal predispositions rather than environmental variables are more significant. In addition, many people who encounter similar traumatic events do not grow aggressive or become serial killers (Davies). This discrepancy implies a complicated interplay between genetic and environmental influences, with genetic predispositions serving as the primary catalyst for the emergence of aggressive behavior.
Opposing Viewpoint: The Nurture Argument
One competing argument contends that environmental influences, not genetic predispositions, are more critical in developing serial killers. This viewpoint contends that early trauma, abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence can influence an individual's capacity for aggression and psychopathic qualities. According to proponents of the "nurture" theory, the genesis of serial killers is mainly the result of social, familial, and environmental influences (American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress).
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Despite facts indicating that serial killing is a factor of both external and biological elements, some scholars still argue that either nature or nurture plays the central role. For instance, Sajous-Turner et al. concluded that killing is primarily instigated by reduced gray matter in the brain. These investigators used incarcerated male adults as the subject of their study. They compared the grey matter of 808 inmates (Sajous-Turner et al. 5). 203 of the sample had been jailed for murder-related charges, while 605 were non-murder offenders (Sajous-Turner
et al. 6). Findings indicated that murder offenders had reduced grey matter, especially in areas that were crucial for social cognition and behavioral control. Based on the findings, these researchers concluded that unique brain abnormalities are the primary elements that push individuals to commit murders. Additionally, some proponents of the nature debate widely leverage Ricard Davidson's research findings to argue the claim that biological factors play a central role in the development of serial killers.
Davidson assessed the brain scans of around 500 individuals. The sample comprised the individuals society perceived as normal and those prone to violence. Based on his findings, Davidson concluded that all individuals convicted of murder with antisocial and aggressive behavior exhibited specific brain activity. When the amygdala, the anterior cingulated cortex, and the orbital frontal cortex were assessed, outcomes suggested that, compared with normal study subjects, those convicted of murder had a different brain structure (American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress). For instance, murderers had either non-existent or diminished brain
activity in the anterior cingulated and orbital frontal cortex. Therefore, is no doubt that biological elements play a role in the development of serial killers. However, it can be argued that leveraging Davidson and Sajous-Turner et al. results in claiming that nature plays the central part is incorrect. One reason is that these investigators only
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focused on biological factors, studied subjects' brains to be specific, and failed to assess if any environmental factors could have contributed to participants committing murder. For instance, Davidson exclusively concentrated on brain scans and did not account for environmental factors. Consequently, the researcher might have overlooked or downplayed significant external influences apart from the participant's brain activity. The researcher did not mention whether he assessed the participants' life experiences, cultural effects, or even upbringings and how the same
could have shaped their murder-related behaviors. Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy exemplify the importance of assessing these external elements. For instance, Dahmer suffered certain psychological conditions; however, his poor upbringing contributed to him becoming a serial killer (Aldáz 11). Thus, based on the same, it can be argued that failure to incorporate environmental factors in researching what prompted people to commit murder was a limitation of Davidson's study. Due to the same, the results should not be leveraged to argue the case for nature as the critical element in the development of serial killers.
Refutation
While it is true that environmental variables can affect a person's conduct, it is crucial to remember that not everyone exposed to traumatic events develops into a serial killer. According
to the nurture argument, only a tiny percentage of people exposed to similar surroundings go on to conduct horrible acts. There are also several arguments against the idea that environmental factors play a significant role in the emergence of serial killers.
First, research has revealed that individuals can have psychopathic tendencies, frequently linked to serial killers, as early as infancy. This shows that these characteristics are not just the product of environmental factors but also have a solid genetic base. According to longitudinal
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studies that follow people from birth to maturity, psychopathic features typically seem to remain throughout time, providing additional evidence for the role of nature.
Second, the inconsistent origins of serial killers undermine the nurture argument. (Abe and Journal) discuss eight different environments that gave rise to serial killers in one of their studies. Since they all have different histories and life experiences, drawing a direct connection between particular environmental circumstances and aggressive tendencies is challenging. We would anticipate a more predictable pattern in their upbringing if environmental influences were the main contributors. However, the varied backgrounds of serial killers raise the possibility that
genetic predispositions play a more significant role.
Further support for nature's influence comes from the fact that serial killers' brains often include biological anomalies. According to studies, serial killers' brains show structural variations in the areas responsible for emotion, memory, and impulse control (Wang). These anomalies highlight the importance of intrinsic qualities rather than contextual factors in explaining their violent behaviors and lack of empathy. Furthermore, it is impossible to ignore the hereditary tendencies found in the families of serial killers. Many well-known serial killers have relatives with criminal proclivities or violent impulses. This implies that their propensity for aggression has a hereditary component and cannot be exclusively attributed to environmental causes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evidence in this essay strongly suggests that biological factors, in particular, have a role in the development of serial killers. Key brain structural abnormalities,
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genetic predispositions like the "warrior gene," early psychopathy signs seen from a young age, hereditary family history patterns, and lack of environmental consistency among serial killers all indicate the significant role of innate biological factors. Considering these results, it is critical to acknowledge the intricate interaction between nature and nurture in the rise of serial killers. Biological factors have a significant impact that cannot be ignored, even though environmental influences may also contribute to individual differences in behavior. We may be able to identify potential risk factors and create tactics for prevention and intervention by knowing the biological
foundations of serial killers. A complete understanding of how nature influences serial killers is necessary to handle the complex issue of serial murder and develop a safer society. By recognizing the significance of the biological factor, we can move closer to unraveling the mysteries of these horrific homicides and perhaps even reduce their likelihood in the future.
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Works Cited
Abe, Kenji, and Ejae Journal. "Eight Types of Childhood Environments That Actually Produced Serial Killers Based on the Information in Lay Literature and on the Internet." Www.academia.edu, www.academia.edu/14747223/Eight_Types_of_Childhood_Environments_that_Actually_Produc
ed_Serial_Killers_Based_on_the_Information_in_Lay_Literature_and_on_the_Internet.
Aldáz , Chiriboga Mikaella. "Relationship between childhood traumas and serial killers." BS thesis. Quito, 2019, pp. 1-36. https://repositorio.usfq.edu.ec/jspui/bitstream/23000/8182/1/142076.pdf
American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. "Serial Killer: Nature vs. Nurture How Serial Killers Are Born." Www.aaets.org, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, 2020, www.aaets.org/traumatic-stress-library/serial-killer-nature-vs-nurture-how-serial-killers-
are-born.
Burton, B., & Saleh, F. M., Psychiatric Times, Vol. 37, No. 10, 2020
Davies, Nicola. "From Abused Child to Serial Killer: Investigating Nature vs Nurture in Methods
of Murder - Psychiatry Advisor." Psychiatry Advisor, 26 June 2018, www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/violence-and-aggression/from-abused-child-to-serial-
killer-investigating-nature-vs-nurture-in-methods-of-murder/.
Herting, Megan M, et al. Brain Differences in the Prefrontal Cortex, Amygdala, and Hippocampus in Youth with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Vol. 105, no. 4, 1 Apr. 2020, pp. 1098 - 1111, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7058446/, https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgaa023. Accessed 21 May 2023.
Lange, Johannes. Crime as Destiny: A Study of Criminal Twins. Google Books, Taylor & Francis, 1 Sept. 2022, books.google.co.ke/books
McSwiggan, Sally, et al. "The Forensic Use of Behavioral Genetics in Criminal Proceedings: Case of the MAOA-L Genotype." International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, vol. 50, Jan. 2017, pp. 17 - 23, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5250535/, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2016.09.005.
Sajous-Turner, Ashly, et al. "Aberrant Brain Gray Matter in Murderers." Brain Imaging and Behavior, vol. 14, no. 5, 2020, pp. 1-18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6942640/pdf/nihms-1533753.pdf
University of Delaware. "Sociological and Environmental Factors of Criminal Behavior." Udel.edu, 2019, www1.udel.edu/chem/C465/senior/fall00/GeneticTesting/enviro.htm.
Wang, Jack. "Scientists Studied the Brains of More than 800 Prisoners. Here's What They Found." University of Chicago News, 23 July 2019, news.uchicago.edu/story/scientists-studied-
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brains-more-800-prisoners-heres-what-they-found.