International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering and Education (IJCRSEE)

IJCRSEE Editorial Team; Željko Bjelajac

doi:10.23947/2334-8496-2024-12-3-681-692

Authors

Željko Bjelajac University Business Academy, Faculty of Law for Commerce and Judiciary, Republic of Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4953-8779

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23947/2334-8496-2024-12-3-681-692

Keywords:

profiling, serial murder, male serial killers, female serial killers

Abstract

This paper explores the similarities and differences in the psychological profiles of male and female serial killers through gender aspects, analyzing causes, motives, and methods of crime. The introduction provides an overview of basic concepts, while the sections on definitions and causes of serial murder discuss incoherent aspects due to the flexibility of conceptual determination which affects the empirical understanding of serial murder, including key risk factors contributing to the development of serial killing behavior. The identification of psychological profiles by analogy separates the characteristics of male and female serial killers, focusing on their motivations, methods, and relationships with victims. The discussion includes a comparative analysis and results of individual studies, highlighting differences in profiling strategies between genders and summarizing findings related to serial murders. The conclusion synthesizes the main findings, emphasizing the importance of a gender-specific approach in profiling serial killers for more effective investigation and prevention of these severe crimes.

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