Nature or Nurture (06:00)

FREE PREVIEW

On July 22, 2011, Anders Behring Breivik murders 77 people. Experts examine biological and social motivations for his crime; his mother abused and rejected him throughout childhood.

Imprinting Agression (06:14)

Epigenetics reveals that environmental factors activate genes; childhood trauma impacts several genes. Breivik’s mother is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, angst, and depression, but fights to maintain custody when a foster family is recommended.

Abused and Unwanted Children (04:20)

Leszek Pekalski murdered 80 people; his mother abandoned him with his sadistic grandmother. Jack Unterweger killed 10 women; his prostitute mom left him with his violent grandfather.

Violence Risk Factors (03:47)

At the Max Planck Institute, scientists study factors in adolescence that contribute to adult criminality. During his early teens, peers reject Breivik and he is ousted by his Tagger Gang. After his arrest flagging, his father snubs him.

Hostile Gender (08:15)

Max Planck scientists examine genes controlling aggression. Varying levels are necessary to form civilizations, but violent forms are predominantly identified in males. Prof. Swena Toppner helps criminally violent, anti-social teens.

Assessing Immorality (07:12)

Scientists define evil as successive destructive behaviors; self-identifying is a rare trait. Prof. Benjamin Hilbig uses the Dark Factor—wicked people believe they deserve more and have specific ideals about justice. Breivik was a narcissist who joined a radical right wing group.

Sacred Values (06:24)

After financial failures, Breivik moved back in with his mother, isolating himself and browsing right wing websites. Stephan B. attempted mass murder at a synagogue. Both killers were radicalized by right wing websites, sharing several biographical traits.

Killer Parallels (04:17)

Stephan B. and Breivik were loners who lived with their mothers and were active on politically radical websites. They left manifestos before committing terrorism. Experts discuss their ability to consciously abandon empathy.

Judging Evil (03:45)

Experts discuss the dangers of biological factors being assessed for criminal sentencing. Although aggression is genetically influenced, other factors contribute. Show adolescents how to rebel without resorting to violence.

Credits: Anatomy of Evil (00:31)

Credits: Anatomy of Evil