Disadvantages Of Psychological Profiling

The tool of psychological profiling has gained a lot of notoriety both in fictional media as well as real life for its ability to aid in the capture of dangerous psychopathic serial killers. This type of offender is unique when compared to other criminals because financial motive is usually not the primary reason for murder. This is because what they seek to attain is psychological and sexual gratification with certain types. (LaBrode, 2007) Ultimately, why they all kill is to experience power to mask their personal shortcomings. Psychological profiling grants investigators another tool to examine a crime scene with. This assists them in drawing conclusions about the individual who is capable of such savage action. In this paper the typologies, …show more content…
They are generally white males, between the ages of twenty five to thirty four, and they are described as being interested in police work. Furthermore, they are usually referred to by people who have spoken to them as being intelligent and charismatic. Usually they have dropped out of college and work a menial job involving physical labor. They will usually also seem and look normal and blend in well with the rest of the population. The victims they select are almost always strangers. (Holmes, R. M., Holmes, S. T., & Park, H. …show more content…
The first stage is known as distorted thinking, this where the offender has a positive self-image and psychological state. However, it does not last as the second stage is the fall, this challenges their psychopathic narcissistic ego/self-image as either a specific or multiple events has served to shatter or challenge their positive self-image. The immediate response is not always a need for violence against another person but there is almost always a need for physical release once the fall stage has begun. The third stage is what primarily solidifies the concept that violence is necessary to restore their positive self-image. They are consumed with thoughts of the event or events that led to the fall stage that makes them feel angry and gives them the need to prove something to themselves and others that they are perfect and that they are in control. Stage four is where a serial killer finally acts on their urges to kill in order to restore their positive self-image. Why in this stage the consequences of their action are an afterthought. The victim selected is always weaker to assure a successful violent interaction as they are at such a psychologically unwound low that failure in committing a murder is not an option. The final stage in the cycle is known as restoration this is where the offender realizes the severity and