Factor-X is borrowed from the
serial murderer BTK, who used this term in his letters to the media to
describe possible factors that contributed to his offense cycle.
(Since the initial writing of this article Dennis Rader has been plead
guilty to these crimes and is now serving a life sentence.) I placed Factor-X
on the Fantasy Wheel because in all good research there should be some sort
of control group. For my research, I have done an extensive literature
review on fantasy, yet I still cannot explain why some individuals will
enact their fantasies, while others will not. It is not uncommon for
many to have fantasies of violent behavior such as rape or murder, yet these
individuals will not act upon these fantasies due to fear of consequences or
other reasons. For
serial murderers however, they have went beyond fantasizing and began
acting.
The acts of serial murders
begin years prior to the actual offenses in the mind of the offender and
greatly influence future events. As the years progress, the intensity
and significance of the fantasies become a focus in the life of the
individual. Many offenders report that over the course of a series of
murders, the fantasy stage is far more satisfying than actually committing
the crime. Other offenders have reported that the fantasy and reality
merged and at times during the series of murders they were unable to
differentiate when the fantasy ended and reality took place.
I am going to list many items here that may explain differences between
those who act on violent fantasies and those who do not. I am certain there
are many more to be included, and I would like to write about each variable,
but time will not allow this right now, so I will only provide the list.
Status in Community
Religion
Morals
Values
Boredom
Loneliness
Biology
Fear/Fearlessness
Conscience
Intelligence
Cognitive Distortions
Impulsivity
Compulsivity
Rituals
Opportunity
Concrete Thought
Abstract Thought
Ability to Learn From Experience
Ability to Recognize Possible Consequences
Weak Constitution
Satisfaction with Fantasy Only
Enactments of Fantasy on Inanimate Objects is Sufficient
Thrill-Seeking
Empathy
