The Psychopathology of Serial Murder [Hardcover]

Stephen J. Giannangelo (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 027595434X | ISBN-13: 978-0275954345

In this book, criminologist Stephen Giannangelo offers an original theory of the origins and development of the serial murderer. The author constructs a two-part model of the serial murderer's development. The first part outlines biological factors and concomitant psychological anomalies that can predispose individuals toward homicidal behavior. Then, in developing the second part of his model, Giannangelo describes how a traumatic environmental stressor may trigger a cyclical pattern of violent behavior in those persons predisposed to kill. Having constructed his archetype of the serial killer, the author concludes by suggesting how diagnostic tools could be constructed and employed by psychologists, criminologists, and law enforcement officials to recognize the serial killer and to arrest the cycle of violence.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Stephen Giannangelo makes a good attempt at creating a theory that allows the reader to grasp the data known about serial killers. Despite the inherent methodological flaws in case study research derived from anecdotal data. Dr. Giannangelo skillfully uses this appraoch to develop the concepts of a serial killer personaltiy, the diagnostic category of "homicidal pattern disorder," and a theory of violence.”–J Am Acad Psychiatry Law

About the Author

STEPHEN J. GIANNANGELO is a Special Agent with the Illinois Department of Revenue, Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 027595434X
• ISBN-13: 978-0275954345
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,291,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great new theory of how serial killers develop, March 10, 2000

By 

Karen Demski - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Psychopathology of Serial Murder (Hardcover)

At first I was upset when I read this book since I was heading in the direction Giannangelo went. However, I got over it and am grateful to him for providing a direction for me to go. His use of DSM categories and the diathesis- stress model are the only theory so far that "feels right" in desribing serial killers. He provides clear, concise and believable arguments in favor of this theory's applicability to serial killers. He shows that serial killing is primarily a psychological pathology (hence the title of the book) but the diatheis- stress model highlights the importance of both biology and environmental factos in their emergence. It allows for individual differences in experience to lead to the same act. I would like to see a follow up work, especially trying to apply his proposed DSM category to these killers. This is an important book for anyone studying serial killers seriously. It packs a lot into a little book.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and Enlightening, April 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Psychopathology of Serial Murder (Hardcover)

Upon finishing this work by Mr. Giannangelo I had to ask myself, "Did he describe his theory of violence with a sense of humor, or was it just me?" When I say humor, I don't mean ha ha funny, but in his descriptions of Dahmer and Kemper's past it's almost like he tries to make it sound amusing rather than dark. Which was great. He wasn't trying to scare people with his theories, but rather tell the basic facts. And he told without a great deal of technical psycho lingo that nobody understands. It is easily readable by anybody, and it teaches a great deal too. It is a brilliant first novel, and I highly anticipate many more from Mr. Giannangelo.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Resource!, February 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Psychopathology of Serial Murder (Hardcover)

As a person who has continued to be more and more engrossed in this topic, I found this book to be an exceptional piece of research material. The glossaries and case studies are great, but the detailed and exhaustive analysis makes the book an absolute must-have for any serious serial murder and abnormal psychology buff. And, the original application of an actual developmental theory is not only gutsy, it makes tremendous sense. A standout in the genre.