Psychology In Seattle Podcast Jeffrey Dahmer and The Dark Tetrad (2019 rerun)
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Nov 4, 2025 Kirsten Palmer, an undergraduate psychology student and former funeral director, joins to delve into the psychology of Jeffrey Dahmer. They explore Dahmer's traumatic childhood, linking early experiences to his later violent tendencies. The discussion expands into the Dark Tetrad, revealing traits like low empathy and sadism. Kirk and Kirsten also examine societal fascination with serial killers, police oversights, and how masculinity influences violence. Their insights provide a deeper understanding of personality disorders and the complexities behind Dahmer's actions.
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Viscera Fascination As Trauma Reenactment
- Dahmer's fascination with animal entrails likely served as a means to regain control over earlier invasive trauma.
- Kirk frames this as returning to the source of trauma to master it through exploration of viscera.
Killing As Twisted Attachment Strategy
- Dahmer's core fantasy was domination tied to attachment needs: he wanted people to stay with him.
- His killings and preservation of bodies were attempts to secure permanent attachment and control.
Stigma, Attachment, And Maladaptive Solutions
- Disorganized attachment combined with social stigma (being gay) intensified Dahmer's belief he couldn't form relationships.
- He chose domination, preservation, and possession of victims as a maladaptive solution.
