Abstract
Research directly comparing empirical data of the behaviors and crimes of male serial killers (MSKs) versus female serial killers (FSKs) within one study is nonexistent. This study sought to make such a direct comparison. We examined sex differences in serial murder that may be byproducts of ancestral tendencies. Specifically, we proposed and tested a "hunter-gatherer" model of serial murder. Using the mass media method to collect archival data, we obtained information about 55 MSKs and 55 FSKs (matched for age of first murder) who committed their crimes in the United States from 1856 to 2009. We found that MSKs more frequently act as "hunters," stalking and killing targeted strangers in dispersed areas, while FSKs more frequently are "gatherers," killing those who are around them and familiar to them and gaining profit from their crimes. We also documented other sex differences between serial murderers. We discuss these findings from an evolutionary psychological perspective.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 295-310 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 2019 |
Fingerprint
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Social Psychology
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Cite this
}
Sex differences in serial killers. / Harrison, Marissa A.; Hughes, Susan M.; Gott, Adam Jordan.
In: Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 13, No. 4, 10.2019, p. 295-310.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Sex differences in serial killers
AU - Harrison, Marissa A.
AU - Hughes, Susan M.
AU - Gott, Adam Jordan
PY - 2019/10
Y1 - 2019/10
N2 - Research directly comparing empirical data of the behaviors and crimes of male serial killers (MSKs) versus female serial killers (FSKs) within one study is nonexistent. This study sought to make such a direct comparison. We examined sex differences in serial murder that may be byproducts of ancestral tendencies. Specifically, we proposed and tested a "hunter-gatherer" model of serial murder. Using the mass media method to collect archival data, we obtained information about 55 MSKs and 55 FSKs (matched for age of first murder) who committed their crimes in the United States from 1856 to 2009. We found that MSKs more frequently act as "hunters," stalking and killing targeted strangers in dispersed areas, while FSKs more frequently are "gatherers," killing those who are around them and familiar to them and gaining profit from their crimes. We also documented other sex differences between serial murderers. We discuss these findings from an evolutionary psychological perspective.
AB - Research directly comparing empirical data of the behaviors and crimes of male serial killers (MSKs) versus female serial killers (FSKs) within one study is nonexistent. This study sought to make such a direct comparison. We examined sex differences in serial murder that may be byproducts of ancestral tendencies. Specifically, we proposed and tested a "hunter-gatherer" model of serial murder. Using the mass media method to collect archival data, we obtained information about 55 MSKs and 55 FSKs (matched for age of first murder) who committed their crimes in the United States from 1856 to 2009. We found that MSKs more frequently act as "hunters," stalking and killing targeted strangers in dispersed areas, while FSKs more frequently are "gatherers," killing those who are around them and familiar to them and gaining profit from their crimes. We also documented other sex differences between serial murderers. We discuss these findings from an evolutionary psychological perspective.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85060371426&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85060371426&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1037/ebs0000157
DO - 10.1037/ebs0000157
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85060371426
VL - 13
SP - 295
EP - 310
JO - Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences
JF - Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences
SN - 2330-2925
IS - 4
ER -