Question

Map mind of Ted Bundy

what events or behavior do you perceive as having significant contributions to the development of serial killer shows?

What theorist or theory would support these individual/ event?

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Ted Bundy is possibly one of the most notorious serial killers ever. He was charged for murder, rape, kidnapping and even necrophilia. He committed his crimes during the 1970’s when he worked as a grocery clerk. Bundy was born out of wedlock and raised by his grandparents who he believed were his parents. Only during his college years did he realise that the woman he believed was his older sister, was actually his mother. This was done to avoid the social stigma that an illegitimate child would have to face.

Bundy’s stepfather was very inclusive and accommodating. He used to take Ted on camping trips and interact well with him. However, Bundy seemed to exhibit psychopathic behaviour that kept him distant from his stepfather and even the children at high school. Bundy admitted that he did not understand how the students interacted with each other, how they were friendly and social. However, Bundy learnt how to fake these emotions in order to be social.

Along with being a psychopath, Bundy also indulged in compulsive thievery. Bundy’s high school girlfriend broke up with him, which caused him to be depressed. This was when Bundy searched records and discovered his true parentage. He went on to become a psychology major at the University of Washington and became a very social individual who was well-liked by the professors.

Generally, one would apply the psychopathic theory to a case like Bundy’s. However, it seems like his actions were more the result of a disease than a disorder. Psychopaths have reduced connections between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This is probably the reason for Bundy’s behaviour. Although there seemed to be bouts of a different personality, it was probably all well staged. As Bundy himself, admits that he was good at faking socially appropriate behaviour. This is also one of the traits of a psychopath. Furthermore, he was reared in a false environment where he believed his parents and sisters were different people, this may have worked as a motivator for his actions.