The Role Of Nature Vs. Nurture In Serial Killers

1258 Words6 Pages
“Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." Is a popular quote said by Holocaust victim Anne Frank. As I view society and the several aspects in it, as well as upbringing, I agree with this quote. Nature versus nurture can further explain exactly why I agree with this quote. I believe that individuals are good at heart but that there are situations that mold them into who they become, and that cause their behaviors. Nature versus nurture is a theory that states genes and hereditary factors influence who we are, while it also states that environmental variables impact who were are including how we were raised, childhood experiences, and the culture that surrounds us. (Cherry) I believe that if nature versus nurture…show more content…
David Berkowitz, Ed Gein, Richard Chase, and David Gonzalez are all serial killers diagnosed with the mental illness. Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which individuals interpret reality abnormally as well as they have hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behavior. (clinic, Schizophrenia) David Berkowitz claimed that a neighborhood dog told him to kill. Those with this disorder can believe that God, or another being, has told them to commit their acts. And others may hear or sing things that are not necessarily truly real. They can’t interpret reality as they should, and often times, are under the influence of their hallucinations and delusions at the time of the crime. This disorder is very crippling, and causes individuals to act in ways that they should not. I believe that because of their disorder that they are incapable of controlling their actions, and believe that because of this they become bad at heart. They commit acts through their mental illness. So it makes me believe that they could have been good at heart but are victims of a crippling…show more content…
Jeffrey Dahmer, Aileen Wuornos, and Kristen H. Gilbert are serial killers that were diagnosed with this disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder is a disorder that impact the way and individual thinks and feels about others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. Those with this disorder have an intense fear of abandonment, instability and have inappropriate anger as well as impulsiveness and mood swings. (clinic, mayoclinic.org)Kristen H. Gilbert, a serial killer, stated that she killed to get the attention of the man she was having an affair with. These individuals have such a fear of abandonment that they go to extreme measures to avoid rejection or separation. They can also become violent. I truly believe that this disorder, like the many I have mentioned, largely influence actions. I believe that Kristen, as well as the other serial killers mentioned, killed because of the way they think due to their mental illness. I believe that it is out of their control, and that there is a chance they were good at heart but no longer are because of those

More about The Role Of Nature Vs. Nurture In Serial Killers

Open Document