Psychological Profile
Dennis Nilsen did not show the usual profile of a serial killer. As a child, Dennis was repulsed by the cruelty or sacrifice of animals and as an adult, he worked to help provide for the poor. Although others may not see it this way, Dennis Nilsen killed his victims out of love. He loved his victims so much that he would kill them to have them stay for as long as he wanted. Dennis was 'killing for company'.
Throughout Dennis' life, he struggled with depression and he had many urges that were viewed as abnormal. As a child he had homosexual tendencies and longed for company and comfort in others. As he grew older, he had been through many failed relationships, which took its toll on Nilsen. He felt as if nobody could love him and as if he were all alone. He looked for someone who wouldn't leave him- and he found it- in the corpse of his first victim.
Dennis also struggled with alcohol. Alcoholism ran in the Nilsen family. He would drink to feel happy, but something was always missing. The overwhelming loneliness Dennis felt was too much to bear. Many psychologists who have studied Nilsen think that the death of his beloved grandfather traumatized Dennis, who was only 4 at the time. Some think that this may have affected the way Dennis views love. Losing someone who was so close to Dennis at such a young age may have given him an ultimate feeling of loneliness in his life.
'Killing for company' is a phrase many use to describe Nilsen's murders. He killed so he would not be alone. His victims made him feel safe and they made him feel complete. Knowing that they could never leave him made Dennis feel content.
Throughout Dennis' life, he struggled with depression and he had many urges that were viewed as abnormal. As a child he had homosexual tendencies and longed for company and comfort in others. As he grew older, he had been through many failed relationships, which took its toll on Nilsen. He felt as if nobody could love him and as if he were all alone. He looked for someone who wouldn't leave him- and he found it- in the corpse of his first victim.
Dennis also struggled with alcohol. Alcoholism ran in the Nilsen family. He would drink to feel happy, but something was always missing. The overwhelming loneliness Dennis felt was too much to bear. Many psychologists who have studied Nilsen think that the death of his beloved grandfather traumatized Dennis, who was only 4 at the time. Some think that this may have affected the way Dennis views love. Losing someone who was so close to Dennis at such a young age may have given him an ultimate feeling of loneliness in his life.
'Killing for company' is a phrase many use to describe Nilsen's murders. He killed so he would not be alone. His victims made him feel safe and they made him feel complete. Knowing that they could never leave him made Dennis feel content.