Chris Watts' Murderer Mind: A Psychological Profile
What drives a seemingly normal person to commit such a heinous crime? How can we understand the mind of someone like Chris Watts, the murderer who shocked the nation?
In her book My Daddy is a Hero, author Lena Derhally delves into the psychological profile of Chris Watts. You'll explore the factors that shaped his personality and the events leading up to his terrible actions.
Keep reading to uncover the disturbing insights into Chris Watts' murderer mindset and the warning signs we should all be aware of.
The Making of a Murderer: Chris Watts' Early Years
Chris Watts, the notorious murderer born on May 16, 1985, in Spring Lake, North Carolina, had a seemingly unremarkable childhood. As an introverted and reserved child, he often struggled with social interactions. Unlike his sociable sister Jamie, Chris preferred to focus on his studies and athletics rather than socializing. Little did anyone know that this quiet boy would grow up to become the Chris Watts murderer who shocked the nation.
Chris's relationship with his father, Ronnie, was particularly strong. He viewed Ronnie as both a hero and confidant, cherishing their connection. In contrast, his relationship with his mother, Cindy, was notably distant. These early family dynamics would play a crucial role in shaping Chris's personality and future actions.
The Need for Approval
From a young age, Chris developed a habit of constantly seeking approval from others. He believed that he should always be kind, helpful, and available to everyone. This desire for approval led him to avoid conflicts and let others take control, particularly in his relationship with Shanann.
Chris's father's unemotional demeanor significantly influenced him, instilling the belief that he should suppress his own emotions. This tendency to bottle up his feelings would have far-reaching consequences in his adult life.
The Unraveling of a Marriage
Chris and Shanann's relationship started with intense passion. Chris was completely smitten with Shanann from the moment they met, pursuing her relentlessly despite her initial lack of interest. His unwavering commitment and readiness to help eventually won her over.
A Picture-perfect Couple
For most of their relationship, Chris and Shanann seemed to enjoy a bond filled with joy and affection. Shanann particularly valued Chris's unwavering commitment, constant faithfulness, and active involvement in her life. She saw him as the miracle she had been seeking, especially during her health challenges.
The Beginning of the End
However, in the time leading up to the tragic events, their relationship underwent a profound transformation. Chris became increasingly aloof, disregarding Shanann's attempts to initiate conversation. This sudden change in behavior left Shanann bewildered and distressed.
The final blow to their marriage came when Chris began an affair with his coworker, Nikki Kessinger. As his feelings for Nikki deepened, so did his tendency towards deceit and concealment. Shanann's trust in him began to erode, even though she was unaware of the affair.
Inside the Mind of Chris Watts
Signs of a Disturbed Psyche
Chris Watts displayed characteristics indicative of a possible narcissistic or psychopathic personality. He showed a lack of compassion, remorse, or genuine emotional involvement. His ability to mimic emotions and social interactions allowed him to project an aura of normalcy and amiability, even though he preferred isolation.
While never officially diagnosed, Watts exhibited traits often associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. These included persistent deceit, hostility, and a deep lack of compassion. He prioritized his own desires, particularly his extramarital relationship, over his family's well-being.
A Cold-blooded Plan
Contrary to his initial claims, the investigation revealed that Chris had engaged in extensive planning and preparation for the murders. His actions after the crimes, such as calmly carrying out regular activities like vacuuming and preparing a healthy beverage, further indicated premeditation.
Chris viewed his family not with fondness but as obstacles to the life he yearned for with his mistress. He coldly recounted his actions toward his daughters, diminishing their significance to rationalize beginning anew with his lover.
The Aftermath and Lessons Learned
The tragedy that struck the Watts family left a lasting impact on all those associated with the incident. Emergency responders and investigators faced severe emotional trauma, with some developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Seeking Attention Behind Bars
Even while imprisoned, Chris Watts continues to seek attention, striving to craft a tale of redemption rather than demonstrating genuine remorse for his actions. This behavior starkly contrasts with the deep emotional pain experienced by those closely affected by the case.
Preventing Future Tragedies
The Chris Watts case underscores the importance of mental health awareness and identifying warning signs that could potentially avert similar catastrophes. Some key indicators to watch for include:
- Lack of empathy
- Tendency to devalue others
- Avoidance of addressing problems in relationships
By advocating for mental health awareness and fostering the development of conflict resolution skills, we may be able to prevent such tragedies in the future. It's crucial to recognize and address red flags early on, such as emotional manipulation or a partner's inclination to depart abruptly without a reasonable explanation.
The tragic end of the Watts family serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding the complexities of human behavior and the significance of paying attention to subtle signs that might indicate deeper problems.