Research Article

Narcissistic female serial killers: A psychobiographical study of Cecilia Johanna Steyn

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 34 , issue 4 , 2024 , pages: 454–459

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2024.2371731

Author(s): Monique Erasmus University of Johannesburg, South Africa , Zelda G. Knight University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Keywords: dark tetrads , Psychopathy Checklist-Revised , psychopathy , self-psychology theory , biography

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Abstract

This article examines the psychobiography of Cecilia Johanna Steyn, a female serial killer from South Africa. The study analysed Cecilia Steyn’s childhood development to suggest possible adverse childhood experiences predisposing her to instigate murders on her demand. Drawing on the narcissistic theoretical frameworks of Heinz Kohut and Robert Hare, we analysed Cecilia Steyn’s childhood development, indicating the occurrence of narcissistic injury. We found that Cecilia Steyn could be considered a highly manipulative, narcissistic female serial killer. The analyses provided a profile of a gendered female serial killer, highlighting similarities and differences based on narcissism and psychopathy.

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