Abstract: This paper proposes the Critical Period Hypothesis: multiple murders may be rooted in maltreatment during the first three years of life, when attachment, emotional security, and basic trust are formed. Abuse may contribute to a serial-murder mindset, while neglect may contribute to a mass-murder mindset. Because such experiences may occur before conscious memory develops, they may explain why some offenders cannot identify the source of their destructive urges. And later adversarial experiences may not develop the same foundation but only shape the specific modus operandi. Thus, early emotional protection may be crucial for preventing serious violent behavior.
Keywords: early childhood maltreatment; childhood abuse and neglect; early-life adversity; childhood trauma; attachment; developmental psychopathology; critical period; violent behavior; serial homicide; mass murder.
Title: Multiple Murderers and Early-Life Maltreatment: The Critical Role of the First Three Years of Life
Author: Kenji Abe
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 364-368
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 21-September-2026
