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From Animal Cruelty to Serial Murder: Applying the Graduation Hypothesis

Christopher Hensley

Although serial murder has been recorded for centuries, limited academic attention has been given to this important topic. Scholars have attempted to examine the causality and motivations behind the rare phenomenon of serial murder. However, scant research exists which delves into the childhood characteristics of serial murderers. Using social learning theory, some of these studies present supporting evidence for a link between childhood animal cruelty and adult aggression toward humans. Based on five case studies of serial murderers, we contribute to the existing literature by exploring the possible link between childhood cruelty toward animals and serial murder with the application of the graduation hypothesis.

Key Words: animal cruelty • serial murder • social learning theory • graduation hypothesis • violence

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, Vol. 47, No. 1, 71-88 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0306624X02239276


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