Thesis
Trophy-Taking and Serial Killers: Investigating the Role of Fantasy in Offender Trophy-Taking Behaviours
Honours, Murdoch University
2021
Abstract
Although there has been extensive research into typologies of serial killers’ motivations, there is still a limited understanding of those who engage in trophy-taking behaviours. A review of the literature will help integrate together existing literature from various fields, including warfare, game hunting and sexual offending. This review will enable the integration of research about trophy-taking behaviours from different academic fields, and further develop our understanding of serial killing trophy-taking behaviours. A thematic analysis of five serial killers was conducted to derive the meaning of fantasy's role in serial killer trophy-taking behaviours and expand the current literature available. The findings from this study indicate that the connection trophies have with sexual stimulation may highlight the role sexual fantasy and sexual motivation has within trophy-taking. Furthermore, based on the type of trophy and its role within an offender’s fantasy, trophy-taking behaviours may suppress or increase the need for homicidal control. Additional research is needed to clearly define trophy-taking behaviours in serial killers to develop a critical understanding of their psychological and behavioural needs.
Details
- Title
- Trophy-Taking and Serial Killers: Investigating the Role of Fantasy in Offender Trophy-Taking Behaviours
- Authors/Creators
- Meghann R Sutton
- Contributors
- David Keatley (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Biosecurity and One Health
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Honours
- Identifiers
- 991005783130607891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Law and Criminology
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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