Psychological traits underlying different killing methods amongMalaysian male murderers
- Author:
Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin
;
Nadiah Syariani Md. Shariff
;
Siti Nurfarliza
;
Azizah Othman
;
Khaidzir Hj. Ismail
;
Geshina Ayu Mat Saat
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Malaysia;
murder;
murderers;
psychological traits;
killing method
- MeSH:
Homicide;
Psychology
- From:The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
2014;36(1):41-50
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Murder is the most notorious crime that violates religious, social and cultural norms. Examining
the types and number of different killing methods that used are pivotal in a murder case. However,
the psychological traits underlying specific and multiple killing methods are still understudied. The
present study attempts to fill this gap in knowledge by identifying the underlying psychological
traits of different killing methods among Malaysian murderers. The study adapted an observational
cross-sectional methodology using a guided self-administered questionnaire for data collection.
The sampling frame consisted of 71 Malaysian male murderers from 11 Malaysian prisons who
were selected using purposive sampling method. The participants were also asked to provide the
types and number of different killing methods used to kill their respective victims. An independent
sample t-test was performed to establish the mean score difference of psychological traits between
the murderers who used single and multiple types of killing methods. Kruskal-Wallis tests were
carried out to ascertain the psychological trait differences between specific types of killing methods.
The results suggest that specific psychological traits underlie the type and number of different
killing methods used during murder. The majority (88.7%) of murderers used a single method of
killing. Multiple methods of killing was evident in ‘premeditated’ murder compared to ‘passion’
murder, and revenge was a common motive. Examples of multiple methods are combinations of
stabbing and strangulation or slashing and physical force. An exception was premeditated murder
committed with shooting, when it was usually a single method, attributed to the high lethality of
firearms. Shooting was also notable when the motive was financial gain or related to drug dealing.
Murderers who used multiple killing methods were more aggressive and sadistic than those who used
a single killing method. Those who used multiple methods or slashing also displayed a higher level
of minimisation traits. Despite its limitations, this study has provided some light on the underlying
psychological traits of different killing methods which is useful in the field of criminology.
- Full text:P020141218346256083069.pdf
