Female serial killers (FSKs) is a topic that has been under study for many years. From the articles on FSKs, I have observed that female serial killers have also existed at various points in history despite male serial killers emerging from time to time. The articles point out that FSKs are rarer to come by in the United States than their male counterparts. This paper summarizes the findings in the articles on FSKs.
According to Harrison et al. (2015), most of the FSK documented in US history are ethnically white, followed by Blacks and Latinas. While this finding may be explained by the fact that white is the dominant race in the US, naturally raising the numbers, it raises questions on whether white women are more predisposed to perpetrating murder than women from other races. The other observation that Harrison et al. (2015) make is that most FSKs were married, with a smaller percentage of them being divorced or widowed. This observation shows that family issues might contribute to murder perpetrating tendencies by females in the US. Additionally, Harrison et al. (2015) observe that most FSKs were relatively well educated, with most of them being college degree holders, with almost the same number of FSKs being high school dropouts. This considerable variation casts grey areas in the possibility of education being a probable cause of females perpetrating murder.
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Hildebrand and Culhane recorded more findings on FSKs. Their study considered demographics, psychopathology, personality features, and psychopathy to seek and establish reasons behind murders by FSKs. According to Hildebrand & Culhane (2015) , most FSKs display schizophrenia symptoms, a mental disorder whereby the victim has a distorted view of reality. The study further explains that being schizophrenic causes delusions and hallucinations, which are probable causes of the murders perpetrated by FSKs. Another finding by Hildebrand & Culhane (2015) is that most FSKs displayed social introversion. This finding means that the FSKs preferred to live a life of solitude, away from other people. As explained in this study, one of the major causes of murders by FSKs is social introversion implying that most of the FSKs may have led a life of deep thoughts and misery. Some of the FSKs, according to Hildebrand and Culhane (2015) , displayed narcissistic, antisocial, compulsive, and negativistic traits. These traits, as displayed by FSKs, could have played a significant role in their actions.
The two studies serve to show some of the characteristics that a majority of the FSKs displayed. From the studies, it is evident that FSKs display troubled living, from such causes as divorce, troubled marriage, and failed dreams. The studies also show that most FSKs have some disorders, such as schizophrenia and narcissism. This implies that most FSKs live troubled lives and that their murder actions are ways of venting their frustrations to the world. Both studies capture some of the most pertinent issues covering FSK. One of the significant implications of the studies is that FSKs originate from all races and backgrounds. The two studies' findings also imply that women who showcase schizophrenic and narcissistic tendencies are likely to turn FSKs if their conditions persist. The studies point to mental disturbances and frustrations being the primary cause of FSKs.
References
Harrison, M. A., Murphy, E. A., Ho, L. Y., Bowers, T. G., & Flaherty, C. V. (2015). Female serial killers in the United States: means, motives, and makings. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology , 26 (3), 383-406.
Hildebrand, M. M., & Culhane, S. E. (2015). Personality characteristics of the female serial murderer. Journal of Criminal Psychology . http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14789949.2015.1007516
