A systematic review of the literature on mass murder and its sub-types: an evolutionary perspective
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Date
2023
Authors
Minihane, Keith
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Background: Research on mass murder commonly focuses on specific sub-types of perpetrators (such as school shooters) or sub-styles (such as mass shootings), or focuses on specific countries, most commonly the United States. To identify the recurring proximate triggers and stressors suffered by perpetrators of mass murder, a systematic review was carried out on the empirical literature pertaining to mass murder, and its various sub-types, with an inclusive criterion which encompassed research worldwide. Behaviours may be thought of as having proximate (e.g., conscious) motives and ultimate (e.g., fitness enhancing) causes. This evolutionarily informed framework was used to explore how we can understand mass murderer's motivations at an ultimate level by identifying recurring proximate stressors and triggers.
Method: For this systematic review, four search engines (Web of Science, Scopus, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO) were used to identify empirical literature on mass murder. Searches were carried out between April 8th, 2022, and April 12th, 2022. Hand searching was also utilised, and this was carried out throughout April 2022.
Findings: Of the 634 articles identified, 20 were eligible for data extraction, six of which were quantitative and 14 were qualitative. Study quality ranged from high to low. A narrative approach was used to synthesise the data. Three primary themes were identified. These were: precursors to mass murder, which showed most mass murderers had identifiable stressors, triggers, or motivations. Few ''snapped'' suddenly for no reason. The second theme was identified stressors, which took the form of chronic stressors (most commonly rejection suffered by younger perpetrators) and acute stressors (such as a relationship breakdown, suffered mostly by older perpetrators). A third theme was ''age and sex differences''. Significant differences emerged between younger and older offenders, in motive, victim choice, fame seeking behaviours, leakage, and end result of the crime for the perpetrator.
Interpretation: An ultimate perspective on these findings indicate that these violent outbursts are functional in nature, with instrumental and fitness enhancing advantages evident for both younger and older perpetrators, though the aetiologies for their crime differ. Status is an important indicator of mate value for males and status losses were evident for older offenders who often victimised family members, or those who had damaged their reputation (such as employers who had fired them). Younger offenders had little to show in terms of status and prestige. Their crime may act as an extreme form of status grab, to finally garner attention from those who have rejected them. This is why they are more commonly ''fame'' seekers, and often leak their plans. Both types of mass murderer may be explored using evolutionary theory, but their differences are non-trivial. Future research should focus on the writings left behind by mass murderers. It is theorised that there should be significant difference in the writings left behind by older offenders compared to those left behind by younger offenders. It is probable that attempted mass murderers are theoretically relevant and further discussion should be had as to if these offenders would strengthen data sets. Terrorism may be included in further research, considering incels recently being termed terrorists by the Canadian high court. Evolutionary theory can add to the understanding of mass murderers and should be used to supplement other theories which commonly focus solely on proximate motivations.
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Keywords
Mass murder , School shooting , Familicide , Mass shooting , Male violence , Evolutionary theory , Rampage shooting , Mass stabbing , Vehicle ramming attack , Spree killing , Facultative adaptation , Tinbergen's Four Questions
Citation
Minihane, K. P. 2023. A systematic review of the literature on mass murder and its sub-types: an evolutionary perspective. MPhil Thesis, University College Cork.