Serial Killer Test

The IDRLabs Serial Killer Quiz is inspired by psychometric methodology and based on research into serial killers and mass murderers in a historical and psychological context.

The test provides feedback such as the following:

Elizabeth Báthory: Elizabeth Báthory, born into a noble Hungarian family in 1560, grew notorious for her gruesome crimes. Living during a time of great social and political upheaval, she leveraged her aristocratic status, allowing her to wield power unusually and often ruthlessly. Known as the 'Blood Countess,' Báthory's infamy predominantly arises from allegations of torturing and killing young girls, purportedly in the belief that their blood would maintain her youth and beauty. This macabre fascination with blood not only underscores a deep-rooted vanity but also reflects a perverse perception of power and control. Her actions, steeped in cruelty, suggest a severe detachment from the ethical and moral norms of her time, which were already quite stratified and brutal by today's standards. Her legacy, shrouded in myths and dark lore, paints her as a figure of extreme moral corruption and psychological deviation. Báthory's life story thus provides a disturbing glimpse into the interplay of aristocratic privilege, psychological dysfunction, and the extremities of human cruelty.

Aileen Wuornos: Aileen Wuornos emerged from a tumultuous and abusive childhood, one marred by abandonment and exploitation. Her early life was a canvas of neglect; her mother abandoned her when she was young, and her father, a convicted child molester, never played a role in her life. Left in the care of her grandparents, where she faced further mistreatment and hardship, Wuornos's upbringing was far from nurturing. Turning to sex work at a young age to survive, her life's trajectory steeped further into despair and violence. Wuornos’s actions, which skyrocketed her to notoriety, involved the murder of seven men between 1989 and 1990, crimes she committed while working as a highway prostitute in Florida. Her modus operandi typically involved shooting her victims, actions she initially claimed were in self-defense against sexual assault. Wuornos, often labeled as America's first female serial killer, challenged societal views on female criminality and victimhood. Her story, shrouded in layers of trauma, abuse, and retribution, raises complex questions about ethics and the intersection of societal neglect, mental health, and criminality.

Jeffrey Dahmer: Jeffrey Dahmer, an infamous serial killer and sex offender, was born in Milwaukee. Dahmer's childhood was somewhat troubled, marked by a solitary and introverted nature with an interest in dead animals, hinting at his darker future inclinations. As an adult, Dahmer's gruesome series of murders between 1978 and 1991 gained notoriety for their horrific nature, involving acts of dismemberment, necrophilia, and cannibalism. His 17 victims were often lured into his home under pretenses of friendship or intimacy. Once there, they fell prey to his twisted desires, highlighting his complete disregard for human life and dignity. Dahmer's actions were devoid of any ethical or moral consideration, reflecting a profound detachment from societal norms and human empathy. His lack of remorse and understanding for his crimes, alongside his macabre interests, shocked the public and investigators alike. Arrested in 1991, Dahmer's trial revealed not only the depths of his crimes but also a troubled psyche, grappling with issues of deviant sex, rejection, and control. His life and actions raise complex questions about the nature of evil, mental health in criminal justice, and the factors contributing to such extreme criminal behavior. His case continues to be studied in the fields of psychology, criminology, and law enforcement.

Harold Shipman: Harold Shipman, a seemingly respectable British GP, emerged as one of the most prolific serial killers in recorded history, profoundly betraying the trust inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. Shipman's early life appeared unremarkable, though the death of his mother to cancer, which he witnessed during his formative years, is often speculated as a pivotal event influencing his future actions. Excelling in medical school, Shipman was noted for his intelligence and competence. However, beneath this veneer of professionalism lurked a sinister nature. Shipman's criminal activities came to light after a pattern of patient deaths, predominantly elderly women, triggered investigations. These inquiries unveiled a harrowing pattern where he administered lethal doses of diamorphine, falsified medical records, and sometimes forged wills to benefit financially. His actions, driven by a perceived sense of power, control, and God-like arbitration over life and death, starkly contradicted the ethical and moral foundations expected of a medical practitioner. Shipman never admitted guilt, leaving his exact motives enigmatic. His case profoundly impacted the medical community, leading to stricter control of prescription medicines and a reevaluation of the patient-doctor trust dynamic.

Ted Bundy: Ted Bundy, an American serial killer, stands out for his chilling blend of charisma and cruelty, making him one of the most infamous figures in criminal history. Raised in a confusing environment concerning his parentage, Bundy grew up in what appeared to be an average middle-class family, yet he harbored deep-rooted issues. He was perceived as attractive and charismatic, traits he manipulated to win trust and draw victims—primarily young women—into his grasp. Bundy's approach to his crimes was marked by a terrifying meticulousness; he often revisited crime scenes and kept souvenirs. His total number of victims remains unknown, though he confessed to 30 homicides across seven states. Bundy's actions were underpinned by a narcissistic personality, devoid of genuine empathy, and characterized by a chilling detachment from the suffering of his victims. He exploited legal and social norms to his advantage, representing himself in court, where his charm initially misled the public and media. His escape from custody twice highlighted his cunning and resourcefulness. Ted Bundy remains a case study in the juxtaposition of outward normalcy against a backdrop of unimaginable brutality.

Andrei Chikatilo: Andrei Chikatilo, born in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union, grew up in the devastating aftermath of the Great Famine and World War II, witnessing atrocities and suffering from an early age. His childhood was marked by poverty, a dysfunctional family, chronic bedwetting, and being bullied for his inability to perform sexually, which profoundly affected his psyche. As an adult, Chikatilo pursued a career in teaching but was soon fired for alleged inappropriate behavior with students. Turning to a series of nondescript clerical and administrative jobs, he began his series of heinous crimes. Over a span of twelve years, Chikatilo lured, sexually assaulted, and brutally murdered at least 52 women and children, often mutilating and sometimes cannibalizing his victims. His modus operandi typically involved approaching young, vagrant, or vulnerable individuals at train or bus stations. Chikatilo's values and ethics were deeply perverse and distorted, driven by a mix of deep-seated anger and a need to exert power over the helpless. He eluded capture for years. His eventual capture and execution brought an end to a harrowing saga of terror and bloodshed, marking him as one of the vilest serial killers in history.

John Wayne Gacy: John Wayne Gacy, notorious in the annals of American crime, presented a chilling dichotomy between his public persona and his gruesome crimes. Born in Chicago, Gacy experienced a troubled childhood, marred by an abusive father and a struggle with his identity. Despite these challenges, he seemingly carved a respectable place in society, actively participating in community activities and even performing as "Pogo the Clown" at children's parties. However, beneath this veneer of normalcy lurked a sinister nature. Gacy sexually assaulted and murdered at least 33 young men and boys. These acts of brutality, mostly committed in his own home, culminated in his arrest. Gacy's method of luring victims, exploiting their vulnerabilities, and his cold, methodical disposal of their bodies in the crawl space of his home betray a shocking lack of empathy and morality. His trial, a media sensation, not only horrified the public but also raised awareness about the complex and often hidden nature of psychopathic behavior. Gacy, who once said that clowns could get away with murder, was finally executed, leaving behind a legacy tainted by the horror of his actions and a disquieting reminder of the evil that can lurk anywhere.

The Serial Killer Test is inspired by research into relevant literature and methodological practices. While the Serial Killer quiz is inspired by different fields of research, it cannot be used to provide clinical assessments or an accurate evaluation of your personality. Clinical assessments should always be done in cooperation with a mental health professional. For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.