Psychology In Seattle Podcast The Psychology of Columbine (Ch 2 - Eric Behavior)
Mar 3, 2026
A careful forensic dive into the Columbine perpetrators' backgrounds and behaviors. They examine personality traits like schizotypal features and possible dark tetrad elements. Conversations cover family moves, social status, bullying dynamics, journals, and how mutual reinforcement shaped dangerous obsessions.
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Concerning Behaviors Emerged In Teens Not Childhood
- Neither Eric nor Dylan showed classic early conduct problems like cruelty to animals or chronic fire-setting in childhood.
- Humberto and Kirk stress concerning behaviors began in adolescence, not early childhood.
Distinct Psychological Profiles Between Killers
- Eric Harris (18) and Dylan Klebold (17) had different psychological portraits: Eric often labeled cold and calculating, Dylan described as depressed.
- Humberto summarizes basic biographical contrasts and reported bullying that affected both.
Persistent Jock Culture Bullying Documented
- Both were bullied by a dominant jock culture at school with reports of shoving and homophobic slurs.
- Humberto cites a firsthand account where a girl was shoved and called slurs for talking to Dylan.