Date of Conferral

4-21-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Eric Hickey

Abstract

Criminal cannibalism is a rare form of violent offending that remains understudied despite public attention. This gap limits understanding of the psychosocial characteristics and life experiences of individuals who engage in cannibalistic behavior. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore psychosocial characteristics within the life experiences of North American males who engaged in cannibalistic behavior and identify common themes. Grounded in social control theory and self-control theory, the study examined how weakened social bonds and diminished self-regulation may relate to extreme deviance. The guiding research question focused on identifying common psychosocial characteristics within this population. A descriptive phenomenological design examined 11 primary cases, with two additional cases included for context, involving offenders who engaged in cannibalism outside of survival or cultural practices. Data were collected from archival sources, including court records, police reports, and documented interviews, and analyzed using NVivo through systematic coding and cross-case comparison. Findings suggested recurring patterns, including disrupted family structures, closeness to female relatives, histories of violence, and substance use, although not all were present in every case. These findings suggest that while no single pathway explains cannibalistic behavior, certain psychosocial patterns may be associated with it. This study contributes to the literature by examining offenders as a distinct population. Implications for positive social change include providing researchers and law enforcement professionals with insight to support investigative efforts involving rare and extreme crimes.

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