Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Development of Serial Killers
Abstract
This chapter will discuss the incidence of adverse childhood experiences amongst adult serial killers and how the cycle of violence impacts on future violent criminal behaviour. By considering the Trauma-Control Model (Hickey, 1997), issues relating to the ability to cope with the accumulation of adverse childhood trauma and the response undertaken through serial homicide, can help to identify potential triggers in individuals at higher risk of engaging in this behaviour and develop effective interventions to prevent the incidence of serial homicide.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Psychopathy
Forensic Psychiatry
Sexual Offending
Child Abuse and Trauma
Homicide
Infanticide
and Child Abuse
Publication details
- Journal / source
- IGI Global eBooks
- Pages
- 159–186
- Publication date
- 29 January 2026
- Language
- NG
- Document type
- Book chapter