PSYCH 11/13

Introduced the concept of the suicidal social model in relation to serial homicide.
Key takeaway: Several varying factors must conspire together to create deviant behavior.
- Consists of biological, psychological, and social variables.

Genetic Predispositions:
- Certain genetic predispositions may influence behavior.
- Particularly in men, these predispositions can lead to:
- Increased testosterone levels.
- Underdevelopment of the frontal lobe, which may influence impulse control.
- Underdevelopment of the amygdala, impacting emotional regulation.
- Specific chemical imbalances that may increase aggression.
Vulnerability to Aggression:
- While genetic predispositions do not predict serial homicides outright, they create a biological platform that could increase vulnerability to aggression or violence as individuals age.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs):
- ACEs refer to negative childhood experiences that can lead to deviant behavior in adolescence and adulthood.
- Types of ACEs include:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood.
- Exposure to domestic violence or parental absence (e.g., incarceration).
- Peer bullying, substance exposure at early age, systemic issues like poor access to education and health care.
Impact on Relationships:
- ACEs can hinder the ability to form meaningful attachments and lead to feelings of rejection and abandonment.
- These feelings create a psychological profile that can predispose an individual to violent behaviors, especially during puberty.

Classical Conditioning:
- Refers to how individuals can be unintentionally conditioned by their environment, as seen in Pavlov's classic experiment with dogs.
- Boys aged 12-14 may develop sexualized revenge fantasies and violent fantasies associated with bullying or past trauma, which can become entwined.
- The overlap of revenge and sexual fantasies may lead to a psychological association between sexual arousal and violent thoughts or actions, particularly as adolescence progresses.

Cultural Influences:
- American culture may enhance the probability of serial killings through inadequate adult socialization, where individuals lack strong social support networks.
- Those who do not belong to community-oriented groups or suffer from social isolation are more vulnerable to engage in violent behavior.
Diathesis-Stress Model:
- Describes how predisposition (diathesis) combined with significant stressors can lead to deviant behavior.
- Metaphorically, if predisposition is like a shaken soda bottle, significant life events may trigger violent outbursts as the pressure is released.

Discussion of similarities between serial offenders from previous decades and contemporary mass shooters, highlighting that the psychological backdrop may share common elements with modern-day violence.

Transition to discussing causation models specific to sexual violence.
Offenders who engage in sexual homicide share psychological traits with those who commit other forms of sexual violence.

Sexual assault as a legal term encompasses different forms of non-consensual sexual acts:
- Examples include unwanted touching, exhibitionism, and extortion.
Rape is defined specifically as sexual intercourse without consent.
Important distinction: sexual assault includes rape, but not all sexual assault incidents are categorized as rape.

Around 20-25% of women in the U.S. have experienced rape or attempted rape.
Approximately 10% of men in the U.S. have experienced similar violence.
Reporting rates for rape are low; most cases go unreported, and anonymous prevalence surveys yield higher and more accurate figures.
Generally, most rape cases do not involve strangers, but rather are committed by acquaintances or in relationship contexts.
FBI notes approximately 2% of reported rapes are false accusations, indicating the majority of reports are credible.
Lifetime prevalence at UNH showed 12% of women experienced rape or attempted rape and 5% of men showed similar rates, reflecting lower rates than the general public due to the privileged status of the population.

UNH data shows:
- 16% of women had at least one unwanted sexual experience in the past year, and 7% of men reported similar experiences.
- 32% of women who had been raped had never disclosed the event to anyone.

Power Reassurance Offenders:
- Most common type.
- Characterized by narcissism and insecurity.
- Assaults are compensatory; often lack overt violence and may exhibit a desire to feel power through the act.
Anger Retaliatory Offenders:
- Less common, higher likelihood of violence and attacking strangers.
- Driven by displaced anger rather than a need for power or control.
Sadistic Offenders:
- Characteristics include well-planned and organized attacks, a desire to dominate, and likely to use weapons.
- Primarily motivated by the desire to inflict pain and humiliation on victims.

Research shows that a small percentage of offenders commit the majority of sexual offenses.
Studies by LeSack and Miller reveal that 6% of men in their sample accounted for over 90% of documented rapes, and that most sexual offenders do not fit the typical violent profile assumed in criminal cases.
Analysis indicates a culture of male-to-male social influence exists among offenders, often leading them to reinforce harmful behaviors and justifications for their actions.

Understanding the interplay of biological and social influences is fundamental for addressing prevention of sexual violence.
Efforts should focus on improving social networks and support systems to mitigate risks associated with isolation and vulnerability.