'Till Death Do Us Part: Love, Marriage, and the Mind of the Killer Spouse by Robi Ludwig & Matt Birkbeck

Author:Robi Ludwig & Matt Birkbeck [Ludwig, Robi & Birkbeck, Matt]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: True Crime, Murder, Psychology
ISBN: 9781416523130
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2006-03-28T07:00:00+00:00

7

The Temper Tantrum Killer

TEMPER tantrums are normally reserved to unruly infants during the terrible twos. It is not particularly uncommon, however, for immature adults to have temper tantrums.

People who never develop beyond “the world is all about me” phase can be especially susceptible to acting out this way. Combining such a personality defect with a series of frustrating or undesirable situations can translate to murder.

Some adults who suffer from a lack of control are diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, a psychological problem defined by extreme problems with impulse control. Individuals with IED are prone to aggressive outbursts under extreme duress. They perceive the stress as a threat, an insult, frustration, a vulnerability, or a combination of all these. There may be some unusual brain wave patterns as well as some “soft” neurological findings in these people, but the disorder is primarily triggered when perceived needs are not met.

The Temper Tantrum Killer has acquired experiences early in life when his bad behaviors were tolerated, and these behaviors continue into adulthood. However, a small percentage of individuals develop this pattern of behavior suddenly without any prior history. The person suffering from intermittent explosive disorder is usually upset, remorseful, and feels very guilty instantly after a rageful episode. During the moment, however, he/she feels rehabilitated by this aggressive release.

The individual afflicted with intermittent explosive disorder tends to be male. He blames others for his behavior as a way to avoid changing and/or to justify or alleviate his guilt.

A man who loses control only in his significant relationship tends to give emotional ultimatums to his partner. He may expect his spouse to behave, think, or respond in a very specific way. If his expectation is not met, the tension in the relationship can increase. Ultimately this individual’s ability to maintain control is lost. Since expectations placed on an intimate relationship are not placed on other relationships, the immature, irrational, and sometimes violent behavior is expressed exclusively within the marital relationship.

Unlike the narcissistic killer, who harms those who no longer fill his needs, the Temper Tantrum Killer, having never developed a mature manner of reasoning during difficult or stressful situations, explodes in a fit of rage when things don’t go his way.

When you mix this kind of personality defect with a series of frustrating or undesirable situations, the combination can be deadly.

* * * * *

SUCH was the case of SCOTT PETERSON.

His was a story unlike any other, a tragic tale that captured the attention of the American public like no case since the O. J. Simpson murder trial. Scott and Laci Peterson were a beautiful couple, often described by family and friends as the object of envy. But like many marriages that end in murder, underneath the picture-perfect façade was a dark and ugly truth that no one saw or even imagined.

We are very often fooled by attractive couples. If they appear beautiful and happy, we are inclined to believe our eyes. Scott and Laci looked like that cute couple in college who could be friends with anyone.

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