An investigation into the association between cannibalism and serial killers

The aim of the current study was to compare and contrast non-cannibalistic from cannibalistic serial killers. Using case study data, the present study assesses common patterns among the life histories of cannibalistic serial killers compared to a controlled sample of serial killers. These include but are not limited to childhood experiences, socio economic status, biological abnormalities, life events, etc. results may be used to identify potential warning signs or triggers for cannibalistic behaviour. Results indicated that factors which may differentiate cannibals from non-cannibals likely result from childhood influences, rather than influences at the time of the kill.