A Psychobiographical Study of Theodore Robert Bundy
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A PSYCHOBIOGRAPHICAL STUDY OF THEODORE ROBERT BUNDY Kelly Berene McGivern Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Magister Artium in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University April 2016 Supervisor: Professor J.G. Howcroft ii Declaration Name: Kelly Berene McGivern Student number: 213381656 Degree: Magister Artium in Clinical Psychology I hereby declare that the treatise for the degree of Magister Artium in Clinical Psychology to be awarded is my own work and that it has not previously been submitted for assessment or completion of any postgraduate qualification to another University or for another qualification (see Appendix A for a summary of Turnitin Originality Report). KB McGivern Official use: In accordance with Rule G5.6.3. 5.6.3. A treatise/dissertation/thesis must be accompanied by a written declaration on the part of the candidate to the effect that it is his/her own work and that it has not previously been submitted for assessment to another University or for another qualification. However, material from publications by the candidate may be embodied in a treatise/dissertation/thesis. iii Photographs of Theodore Robert Bundy Online Images retrieved from: http://criminalminds.wikia.com/wiki/Ted_Bundy iv Acknowledgements “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” ― Brené Brown (2010, p. 6) I would like to thank the following people for assisting me throughout my journey in completing my Masters is Clinical Psychology and in particular, this research study. Although there are many individuals who have had an impact on my growth and personal development these past two to three years, the following people deserve special mention and whom I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and deepest gratitude: God and my Lord Jesus Christ and saviour who has given me strength and hope when I felt depleted. My parents, Daphne and Sean who have been pillars of strength for me and provided me with the guidance, support, unconditional love, and care in order to pursue my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. The kindness and empathy that you both have shown me, particularly during this past year, has been invaluable and something which I will forever remember and be eternally grateful for. My brother Aidan and my soon-to-be sister in law, Sheroda, for their kindness, encouragement, and sense of humour when I needed it. My ‘cheerleaders’: Katya, Simonne, Angela, and Inge for their constant encouragement, support, and motivation. They have been my sounding boards and sources of comfort which has had a significantly positive impact on me. Ang - I’m sorry you didn’t get to see me finish. A special thank you to Katya – Dr. Masconi - for all her knowledge and support, especially in regards to her research experience and expertise. v To my fur-babies Schemer, Kaiber, Chess, Cass, and Sophie for their unconditional love and intuitive sense of ‘just knowing’ when I needed them. To Brett, Louis, the Mathews’, Pitter, and Jones’ families for their continued support and encouragement. Father Greg, my colleague and dear friend, for his patience, encouragement, support, and wonderful sense of humour. His guidance, knowledge, and time sacrificed from proofreading and assisting me in writing this research study is truly touching. Last but not least, my supervisor Prof Howcroft. Thank you for your flexibility, willingness to accommodate me in my last minute frantic panics, your understanding, and support. I am truly grateful for your knowledge, experience, and wisdom which you willingly and happily pass on. I thoroughly enjoyed having you as my research supervisor and I will particularly miss your sense of humour. vi Table of Contents Declaration .......................................................................................................................... ii Photographs of Theodore Robert Bundy .......................................................................... iii Acknowledgements............................................................................................................. iv Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................... xv List of Tables .................................................................................................................... xvi List of Appendices ........................................................................................................... xvii Abstract .......................................................................................................................... xviii Chapter One Introduction Chapter Preview .................................................................................................................. 1 General Orientation to the Research Study ....................................................................... 1 Research Context and Problem Statement ........................................................................ 2 Primary Aim of the Research Study ................................................................................... 3 Researchers Personal Reflection ........................................................................................ 4 Overview of the Study ......................................................................................................... 5 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 6 Chapter Two The Psychobiographical Approach Chapter Preview .................................................................................................................. 7 Qualitative Research ........................................................................................................... 7 Defining Psychobiography ................................................................................................ 10 vii A Brief History of Psychobiography ................................................................................ 13 Psychobiography and Related Concepts .......................................................................... 15 Biography and psychobiography .......................................................................... 15 Pathography. .......................................................................................................... 18 Narrative psychology ............................................................................................. 19 Case study and life history .................................................................................... 21 Personality psychology and psychobiography ...................................................... 22 Psychological profiling .......................................................................................... 23 Value of Psychobiography ................................................................................................ 24 The uniqueness of an individual’s case ................................................................. 24 Subjective reality ................................................................................................... 25 The socio-historic context ...................................................................................... 25 Patterns and themes over time .............................................................................. 26 Theory testing and development ........................................................................... 26 Developing skills .................................................................................................... 27 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 28 Chapter Three Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development Chapter Preview ................................................................................................................ 29 Development of Personality .............................................................................................. 29 Theoretical Context ........................................................................................................... 30 Psychoanalytical approach .................................................................................... 30 Erikson’s Psychosocial Approach..................................................................................... 33 The epigenetic principle ........................................................................................ 35 viii Modes ..................................................................................................................... 37 Ritualisations and ritualisms ................................................................................. 37 Eight Stages of Developmental Crises of Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory ....................... 39 Trust versus Mistrust: “Is the world a trustworthy place?”...............................