Applying Kohlberg’s Theory of Developmental Morality to Serial Killers and Why Society Is So Fascinated by Serial Killers

Morgan KiddFollow

Advisor(s)

Dr. Jessica Swanson

Confirmation

1

Document Type

Paper

Location

ONU McIntosh Center; Ballroom

Start Date

8-4-2025 2:15 PM

End Date

8-4-2025 2:30 PM

Abstract

When looking into the backgrounds of serial killers, many of their childhoods are rife with traumatic events. These stressors can have obvious effects. Lawrence Kohlberg, an American psychologist, developed a theory on moral development in 1958. Kohlberg’s theory of moral development tries to explain how children develop moral reasoning. This paper seeks to show that Kohlberg’s theory of moral development can help us understand why some serial killers commit the acts that they do, with a particular focus on those who experienced extreme childhood trauma. This paper also seeks to find out why society, or a small collection of it at least, is so intrigued by serial killers.

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Apr 8th, 2:15 PM Apr 8th, 2:30 PM

Applying Kohlberg’s Theory of Developmental Morality to Serial Killers and Why Society Is So Fascinated by Serial Killers

ONU McIntosh Center; Ballroom

When looking into the backgrounds of serial killers, many of their childhoods are rife with traumatic events. These stressors can have obvious effects. Lawrence Kohlberg, an American psychologist, developed a theory on moral development in 1958. Kohlberg’s theory of moral development tries to explain how children develop moral reasoning. This paper seeks to show that Kohlberg’s theory of moral development can help us understand why some serial killers commit the acts that they do, with a particular focus on those who experienced extreme childhood trauma. This paper also seeks to find out why society, or a small collection of it at least, is so intrigued by serial killers.