Sigmund Freud's Psychodynamic Approach To Serial Killers

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Another Criminological theory that may apply to serial killers is the Psychodynamic theory. According to Sigmund Freud the development of the unconscious personality early in childhood will influence behavior for the rest of one’s life. In short, negative experiences act as” residue” from early childhood. Freud believes that the human develops, early in life, three aspects of their personality. These include the id, the ego and the superego (Seltzer 1995). The id is considered to be primitive, supplying unconscious drives for food and sex. The ego is formed as sort of a guide to remain aligned with societies norms. Finally the superego develops incorporating values and morals. Thus, serial killers seem to be overwhelmed by their id.