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Serial Killer Psychology: 4 Narcissistic Traits Unveiled
23 Nov
Summary
- Four key narcissistic traits define serial killer psychology.
- Vulnerable enmity is most common, found in 84% of studied killers.
- Killer's motives involve complex interplay of grandiosity and vulnerability.

Psychologists have identified four key narcissistic traits that are prevalent in sexually motivated serial killers. These traits, uncovered through an analysis of 45 offenders over 60 years, include grandiose rivalry, grandiose admiration, vulnerable isolation, and vulnerable enmity.
Vulnerable enmity, characterized by paranoia and aggression, was found in 84% of the analyzed cases. The research emphasizes that serial killers often exhibit a complex blend of grandiosity and vulnerability, which contributes to the personal nature of their violence.
This nuanced understanding suggests that these offenders are not solely driven by ego or a desire for power, but also by underlying feelings of resentment and hypersensitivity. The study, however, cautions against viewing these traits as direct predictors of extreme violence, noting their presence in non-offending individuals.



