Psychodynamic Theory-Case of Teb Bundy Essay

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Introduction

Serial killers are believed to be those who embed fear among other because of their master planed procedures of assassination or atrocious killings. They probably get through these horrifying acts of violence easily because of the fear already implanted on plausible victims. The fear also drives others to getting to know the serial killers better and trying to find out why they commit the acts.

Hypothetical and investigated reasons behind serial killers

In line with Vronsky (76), research indicates that these serial killers are well educated and use their intelligence to plan their acts but at the same time their life may include some emotional development issues which are the foundation for the actions. This would closely be compared to the drugs abuse reactions.

As study of known killers shows, most of these people have some similarities especially on their childhood or infancy life. Poor early child hood development is known to cause poor emotional development, especially for a child who lacks remorse and affection at the very tender age of below twelve months.

Lack of adequate attention and physical engagement may lead to personality disorders in future. A child develops the personality of loving to be lonely and lacking sympathy or empathy. Study has also shown that majority of the known killers were adopted children and therefore underwent bullying, aggressiveness and bothered or tormented lifestyles. The intimacy with the opposite sex may also have been ruined through physical or mental abuse while they were young. Most analyzed cases show physical, learning or autonomy problems especially when the child is raised by a single parent.

Physical and psychological abuse such as sexual harassment at the tender age is known to be the key cause of hysterical problems such as traumas which definitely have long-term effects. Head trauma on a child due to accidents may also be another reason. All this conditions are known to cause psychopathic behaviors as a defensive mechanism. (Vronsky, 27)

Psychodynamic theory

The study of how the brain functions referred to as neurophysiology explains that development of the subconscious mind or personality influences behavior later in life, thus causing the negative experiences. The identity, ego and superego are personalities that are known to develop early in life and often determine behavior. According to this theory, a primitive identity activates the unconscious mind to focus on food and sex. Ego acts as a guide to side with the societal standards while the superego helps to incorporate the values and morals.

The psychodynamic theory is known to have existed back in time. From psychologists’ point of view, the experimental test of the theories began in the late 1800’s with Wilhelm Wundt and psychologist William James documenting it first in 1890 while it became much more significant after the publication of Sigmund’s publication, “The interpretation of Dreams” in 1900. (Glassman, 366). Although his ideas were controversial and not of much significance among his peers, Freud must have been very keyed up to represent the first written psychodynamic theories to other academic writers.

According to Rule; a close friend and a brutal serial killer tracker of Teb (137), Teb Bundy was a serial killer who registered terror between the 1973 and 1978 in the US. He lived with his mother in Philadelphia and later Tacoma, Washington. He is known to have been apprehended in Florida in 1989 and confessed for over 30 murders but the actual figures are never known. Research indicated that he strangled and was involved in sexual acts with the corpses. Teb Bundy seemed to have been overcome by the identity personality due to his poor infancy care. In accordance with the theory, he was a serial killer who suffered from a weak ego which made him to manifest the oppressed feeling through the brutal actions. (Vronsky, 23)

Personal point of view psychodynamic theory

Serial killers react according to their personality or behavioral characteristics. Most of them are intelligent which is often confirmed by the well organized crime scenes they leave and the well executed killings. The killers are organized and careful not to leave any traceable evidence. They are reacting to some kind of stress as opposed to opportunistic necessities.

Conclusion

Serial killers lack essential characteristics and self control and this indicates that their social life especially during childhood plays a vital role in development of personality. Although there is not yet a substantial or adaptable theory to explain the psychology and actions of a serial killer, according to psychodynamic theory they react as a result of the identity personality.

Work Cited

Glassman, William. E., Approaches to Psychology. California CA: Open University Press, 1995.

Rule, Ann. The stranger beside me. New York NY: Signet publishers, 2001.

Vronsky, Peter. Serial killers: The methods and madness of monsters. New York NY: Berkley Books printers, 2004.

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