Crime Psychologist Issues Chilling Warning About Common Misconception
In an exclusive interview ahead of the release of the true crime series Killers: Caught on Camera, crime psychologist Dr Julia Shaw has shared a stark warning about a trap most people fall into when thinking about murderers. Dr Shaw, a specialist in false memories and criminal behaviour, highlighted a dangerous misconception that could hinder personal safety and understanding of violent crime.
The Illusion of the 'Monster' Divide
Dr Shaw revealed that contrary to popular belief, everyone is capable of murder and violent acts. She explained, "The thing that makes people most uncomfortable is that they [murderers] are not monsters, and there's not this massive divide between people who are capable of these horrible acts." This psychological trap leads individuals to falsely assume they could never commit such crimes, which Dr Shaw argues leaves them mentally unprepared for extreme situations.
She elaborated that while there are "more steps" that must go wrong for an average person to carry out violence compared to someone with risk factors, the potential exists in all humans. Dr Shaw urged people to mentally rehearse scenarios, asking, "What could happen if I were pushed into this kind of situation, if I had this life circumstance? What would make me do something similar?" This preparation, she believes, is crucial because dismissing the possibility outright prevents necessary mental readiness.
Misunderstanding Personality Traits and Emotions
Dr Shaw also addressed common misconceptions about the personality traits of killers. She noted that many people wrongly attribute murder to traits like narcissism, but in reality, it often stems from emotions and impulsivity rather than fundamental personality flaws. "In terms of personality, it is more to do with emotions and with impulsivity than it is with any sort of fundamental personality trait," she said.
She criticised the overuse of terms like narcissism, which she described as "almost meaningless" in a psychological context, often conflated with psychopathy. However, Dr Shaw clarified that unkind or violent behaviour has diverse causes beyond psychopathy, emphasizing that not all killers fit a single profile.
The Role of Technology and Prevention
With the return of Killers: Caught on Camera for its fourth series, Dr Shaw's analysis will showcase exclusive footage and in-depth psychological examinations of how technology aids in capturing murderers. The series, airing at 9pm on True Crime starting April 21, explores how everyday interactions can escalate into lethal violence, with new episodes released weekly on Tuesdays.
Dr Shaw pointed out that it is now "almost impossible to get away with murder" due to advancements in technology, but criminals often fall into the trap of believing they can evade detection through lies. She urged viewers to reflect on their own impulsivity, stating, "If you feel that you sometimes act impulsively, work on that while you can, because you don't know what you might be capable of if someone pushes you to your boundaries."
In conclusion, Dr Shaw's warning serves as a call to action: stop pretending only psychopaths kill people. By acknowledging human capacity for violence and preparing mentally, individuals can better understand and potentially prevent tragic outcomes. Killers: Caught on Camera returns to True Crime on April 21, offering further insights into these chilling realities.
