The Psychopathology of Serial Murder: A Theory of Violence

By Stephen J. Giannangelo

In this book, criminologist Stephen Giannangelo offers an original theory of the origins and development of the serial murderer. The author constructs a two-part model of the serial murderer's development. The first part outlines biological factors and concomitant psychological anomalies that can predispose individuals toward homicidal behavior. Then, in developing the second part of his model, Giannangelo describes how a traumatic environmental stressor may trigger a cyclical pattern of violent behavior in those persons predisposed to kill. Having constructed his archetype of the serial killer, the author concludes by suggesting how diagnostic tools could be constructed and employed by psychologists, criminologists, and law enforcement officials to recognize the serial killer and to arrest the cycle of violence.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 027595434X
• ISBN13: 9780275954345
• Release Date: November 1996
• Publisher: Praeger
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A great new theory of how serial killers develop

At first I was upset when I read this book since I was heading in the direction Giannangelo went. However, I got over it and am grateful to him for providing a direction for me to go. His use of DSM categories and the diathesis- stress model are the only theory so far that "feels right" in desribing serial killers. He provides clear, concise and believable arguments in favor of this theory's applicability to serial killers. He shows that serial killing is primarily a psychological pathology (hence the title of the book) but the diatheis- stress model highlights the importance of both biology and environmental factos in their emergence. It allows for individual differences in experience to lead to the same act. I would like to see a follow up work, especially trying to apply his proposed DSM category to these killers. This is an important book for anyone studying serial killers seriously. It packs a lot into a little book.

A Superb Resource!

As a person who has continued to be more and more engrossed in this topic, I found this book to be an exceptional piece of research material. The glossaries and case studies are great, but the detailed and exhaustive analysis makes the book an absolute must-have for any serious serial murder and abnormal psychology buff. And, the original application of an actual developmental theory is not only gutsy, it makes tremendous sense. A standout in the genre.

Gripping and Enlightening

Upon finishing this work by Mr. Giannangelo I had to ask myself, "Did he describe his theory of violence with a sense of humor, or was it just me?" When I say humor, I don't mean ha ha funny, but in his descriptions of Dahmer and Kemper's past it's almost like he tries to make it sound amusing rather than dark. Which was great. He wasn't trying to scare people with his theories, but rather tell the basic facts. And he told without a great deal of technical psycho lingo that nobody understands. It is easily readable by anybody, and it teaches a great deal too. It is a brilliant first novel, and I highly anticipate many more from Mr. Giannangelo.

Refreshing and Enlightening

In regards to the theory itself, it just makes sense. I know that sounds a bit simplistic, especially in light of the many years of studying others have done without too much success, but it does make sense. The author has come up with a classification that is more than supposable. I like so many of you have longed for a reasonable explanation for how and why one becomes a serial killer--something solid and definitive. Giannangelo has attained this. The Psychopathology of Serial Murder is not a comparison of what is known and it is not to dispel what has been thus far suggested. It is a theory of violence and it is a proficient one. It is believable and comprehendible. I was surprised by this book and believe you will be too. I urge you to get it and place it amongst your most often used resource books--I already have.