Abstract
Serial killers are a type of criminal that comes from the criminological perspective. This topic has been addressed by criminology, forensic psychology, and the sociology of crime. They are said to be individuals who commit at least two homicides in separate events with a cooling-off period. Objective: To review global academic research on serial killers, exploring definitions, psychological characteristics, social factors, gender patterns, and typical cases. Methodology:Narrative review of academic sources on criminology and forensic psychology. Results:The study finds patterns of behavior that link psychological, social, and cultural traits. Most cases involve men, although there are some notable examples of women. Prevalence and documentation vary from place to place. The United States has more records, while Latin America, Africa, and Asia show significant gaps. Conclusion:Resolving this phenomenon requires an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates research conducted in psychology, criminology, and sociology. This study aims to provide some clues for prevention and improvement of judicial systems.
| Translated title of the contribution | Criminological and Psychological Analysis of Serial Killers |
|---|---|
| Original language | Spanish (Ecuador) |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-19 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Eureka: Revista Científica de Psicología |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 22 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 19 Dec 2025 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Keywords
- Forensic psychology
- Violence
- Criminology
- Criminal profiling
CACES Knowledge Areas
- 313A Psychology
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