Abstract

The statistical procedure of cluster analysis has enabled researchers to differentiate serial killers based on various clusters of co-occurring traits. This has helped forensic psychologists to uncover connections between types of crime and associated criminal behaviour with potential risk factors. Here we first outline three risk factor models that have been developed to explain the extreme antisocial behaviour of offenders before moving on to consider our previous use of cluster analyses of serial killers. Finally, we present a new cluster analysis of 50 serial killers by considering the co-occurrence of crime scene and childhood traits.