Abstract
This article examines the psychobiography of Cecilia Johanna Steyn, a female serial killer from South Africa. The study analysed Cecilia Steyn’s childhood development to suggest possible adverse childhood experiences predisposing her to instigate murders on her demand. Drawing on the narcissistic theoretical frameworks of Heinz Kohut and Robert Hare, we analysed Cecilia Steyn’s childhood development, indicating the occurrence of narcissistic injury. We found that Cecilia Steyn could be considered a highly manipulative, narcissistic female serial killer. The analyses provided a profile of a gendered female serial killer, highlighting similarities and differences based on narcissism and psychopathy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 454-459 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of Psychology in Africa |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Keywords
- Psychopathy Checklist-Revised
- biography
- dark tetrads
- psychopathy
- self-psychology theory
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Psychology
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