Expert: Bruce Borkosky, Psy.D. - 11/20/2011

Question
Hello,
I'm a bit fascinated by serial killers. The details of their seemingly absolute thirst for power and control makes them morbidly intriguing. Similarly, it seems that many documentary makers almost admire them for their high IQ, their skill at manipulation and their predatory nature.
So, why are mentally healthy people drawn in by these psychopaths and sociopaths? Why do we go out of our way to see blood and death (in pictures, videos etc)? In sum: what's the cause for this morbid curiosity?
As a related question, are serial killers fascinated by others like them? Do they have any morbid fascination with killings and violence done by others? Or does it not strike them as interesting at all?

Thanks,
-Erlend

Answer
Hi Erlend. Thanks for your question. We are drawn to destruction in the same way we slow down to look at the aftermath of a car crash. We don't want to be the victim of either but we can't help but be fascinated by the thought of it happening to someone else.


are serial killers fascinated by others like them?
---- contrary to the image popularized by the media, there is no one 'type' of serial killer. Many have various kinds of mental problems. Even the stereotypical serial killer, the psychopath, has little interest in others - even other serial killers. The reason is because their mind is focused on themselves.

Most probably do not consider themselves to be a 'serial killer'. Would you want that label? They just see themselves as a person who has killed multiple times.

The sexual-sadistic killer probably just doesn't care. It's just the only way they can 'get off' (perhaps similarly to pedophiles).

Bruce Borkosky
bruceborkosky.com