What goes on in a Killer's Mind?
Cognitive Processes
Killing is an act that goes against the grain of our collective moral values, and yet it persists in our society. So what goes on in the mind of a killer? What cognitive processes are at play when someone decides to take another human life?
Cognitive Psychology is the study of mental processes that underlie behavior, such as thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and memory. It seeks to understand how people make sense of the world and how they use information to make decisions. In the case of killers, cognitive psychologists have sought to understand the mental processes that lead them to commit such heinous acts.
Internal Motivations
The motivations behind a killer's actions can be divided into two main categories: internal and external. Internal motivations are those that come from within the individual, such as revenge, hatred, or mental illness. External motivations are those that come from external sources, such as social pressure, financial gain, or a desire to gain power or status.
Revenge is one of the most common internal motivations for killing. Someone may decide to take revenge on someone who has wronged them or their family and friends. This may be caused by a perceived injustice or an inability to achieve justice through conventional means.
Psychopathology
Psychopathology is a term used to describe mental disorders that can lead to violent behavior. Mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder can all contribute to violent behavior, including killing. People with these disorders may be unable to control their impulses or process information in a healthy way, leading them to make decisions that are out of step with societal norms.
Antisocial Personality Disorder is a mental disorder characterized by a pattern of disregard for the rights of others, a lack of empathy, and impulsivity. People with this disorder are more likely to engage in criminal behavior, including killing.
Social Influences
Social influences can also play a role in a killer's decision to commit murder. For example, someone may be influenced by a family member or friend who has committed murder in the past, or they may be exposed to media depictions of violence. Living in an environment where violence is normalized can also contribute to a person's willingness to commit murder.
Peer Pressure is also a factor in some cases. Someone may be encouraged to commit murder by peers who view it as a way to gain status or respect. In other cases, someone may be coerced into committing murder by someone in a position of power or authority.
Conclusion
Killing is an act that goes against the grain of our collective moral values, and yet it persists in our society. Understanding what goes on in the mind of a killer is an important first step in preventing such acts from occurring. Cognitive psychologists have sought to understand the mental processes that lead people to commit such heinous acts, and have identified internal and external motivations, as well as mental illnesses and social influences, that can contribute to a person's willingness to kill.
