As I researched the developing life of Jeffrey Dahmer, I found it strange that he apparently had a normal upbringing. Dahmer was never beaten nor abused as a child. I decided that thee biological, cognitive, and behavioral approaches are the best approaches to attempt an explanation of Dahmer's actions.
Biological Approach.
I learned that Joyce Dahmer had a difficult pregnancy. It was witnessed that she would constantly vomit. I figured that the fact her body was sickened was because of a biological rejection of her son. Joyce also experienced fits, she would tremble, salivate, and her eyes bulged as if she was frightened. It sounds very abnormal, but it seemed as if .
Joyce was getting a preview of her son's capabilities. Through the pregnancy I believe somehow Joyce was actually feeling what Dahmer's victims felt.
Cognitive Approach.
Early in Dahmer's life he witnessed the fights between his parents. I think the struggle of his family had a negative effect on him mentally. The constant moving that occurred made him question the reality of a stable life. Being an only child at the time was hard; he had no one to share his feelings with because his parents constantly argued which eventually led to a divorce. Dahmer was a teen when his parents divorce it crushed him, and it led him to alcoholism. .
Behavioral Approach.
At the age of six Jeffrey suffered from a double hernia and needed surgery. His behavior drastically changed. Jeffery would sit quietly for long periods, he became deeply shy, distant, and even uncommunicative I found out Jeff remained at home alone most of the day. I also believe that after his surgery he began to feel uncomfortable about his sexual orientation. It is obvious to me that Dahmer acted out his sexual insecurity towards his victims by punishing them indirectly to punish himself.
