Psych Attack

29. Organised / disorganised typology of serial killers: A statistics deep dive on the 1986 study

Are you a true crime enthusiast but an even bigger research methods nerd? I see you. If you have watched Mindhunters, read Silence of the Lambs, or are an old school Criminal Minds fan then you already know this study and this team of researchers. In the 1980s a team of FBI agents and researchers teamed up to advance what we knew about serial sexual offenders (serial killers). In this episode, Dr Monsurul Hoq and I nerd out on the research methods and statistical analysis used in the first peer-reviewed research article that compared crime scene characteristics for organised and disorganised serial killers. The beauty of this episode is the practical application of statistical methods. We talk about statistical power, alpha inflation, p-hacking, the obsession with p = .05 (conventions in determining statistical significance), and the importance of subject matter expertise and clinical / practical significance. The paper this episode focuses on Ressler, R.K., Burgess, A.W., Douglas, J.E., Hartman, C.R., & D’Agostino, R.B. (1986). Sexual Killers and Their Victims: Identifying patterns through crime scene analysis. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 1(3), 288-308. https://doi.org/10.1177/088626086001003003 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/088626086001003003][not open access] About Dr Monsurul Hoq Dr Monsurul Hoq [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monsurul-hoq-3a5614190/] has 10 years’ experience as a Biostatistician in medical and health research (in prevention and cure of common childhood illness, transgender health, vaccine uptake, paediatric reference intervals, disability, and mental health), leading, consulting, and performing statistical analysis of data, interpreting findings and reporting results. Prior to working in academia, Monsurul Hoq worked in non-government organisations in Bangladesh and South Sudan, monitoring and evaluating integrated community-based projects in education and child health sector. Monsurul completed his PhD in Biostatistics at the University of Melbourne. His research [https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/scholarlywork/1525139-estimation-of-age-specific-reference-intervals-for-laboratory-blood-tests-in-children] established continuous age-specific reference intervals for blood biomarkers in children using a novel statistical method. You can find a list of Monsurul's publications here [https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0504-9335]. Jaz is writing a book This interview was conducted in preparation for a book I am writing. If you'd like to be notified when the book is finished, please email me and I will store your email and only contact you when the book is ready for you to read. [hello@jasminebmacdonald.com.au] Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Hoq, M. (2025, December 29). Organised / disorganised typology of serial killers: A statistics deep dive of the 1986 study (No. 29) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Dr Monsurul Hoq for sharing your time and expertise. Serial killer related blog posts Serial killers of ‘Mindhunter’: Childhood experiences [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/serial-killers-of-mindhunter-childhood-experiences/] The original research report behind ‘Mindhunter’ [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/the-original-research-report-behind-mindhunter/] Comparing the brains of successful and unsuccessful psychopaths [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/comparing-the-brains-of-successful-and-unsuccessful-psychopaths/] The Crime Classification Manual [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/the-crime-classification-manual/] The first offender profile [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/the-first-offender-profile/] Forensic psychology related episodes MacDonald, J. B. & Ashton, S. (2024, June 5). Sex therapy, kink and paraphilias (No. 18) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/sex-therapy-kink-and-paraphilias] MacDonald, J. B. & Malloy, L. (2024, March 2). Developmental insights for investigative interviewing about maltreatment (No. 17) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/developmental-insights-for-investigative-interviewing-about-maltreatment-with-associate-professor-lindsay-malloy] MacDonald, J. B. & March, E. (2022, June 5). An evolutionary perspective of online behaviour (Part 2: Cyber dating abuse)(No. 11) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/an-evolutionary-perspective-of-online-behaviour-with-dr-evita-march-part-2-cyber-dating-abuse] Research methods related episodes MacDonald, J. B. & Braund, T. A. (2024, Oct 1). Digital phenotyping: Using smartphone metadata to predict mental health symptoms (No. 22) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/digital-phenotyping-using-smartphone-metadata-to-predict-mental-health-symptoms] MacDonald, J. B. & Sugden, N. (2021, September 30). Psychometrics and psychological assessment tools (No. 6) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/looking-at-the-psychometrics-of-psychological-assessment-tools-with-dr-nicole-sugden] MacDonald, J. B. & Tillman, G. (2021, June 22). Mathematical models of how people make decisions (No. 2) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. https://www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/dr-gabriel-tillman-mathematical-models-of-human-decision-making] Research methods related blog posts The pragmatic researcher [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/the-pragmatic-researcher/] What international literature is useful in the Australian context? [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/what-international-literature-is-useful-in-the-australia-context/] Interpretivism in qualitative research [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/interpretivism-in-qualitative-research/] Experiences are socially constructed, but by whom? Constructivism vs constructionism [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/experiences-are-socially-constructed-but-by-whom-constructivism-vs-constructionism/] Interested in going deeper of p-values? Amrhein, V., Greenland, S., & McShane, B. (2019). Retire statistical significance. Nature, 567, 305-307. [https://www.jvsmedicscorner.com/Statistics_files/Retire%20statistical%20significance.pdf] Gelman, A. & Stern, H. (2006). The Difference Between “Significant” and “Not Significant” is not Itself Statistically Significant. The American Statistician, 60(4), 328-331. [https://sites.stat.columbia.edu/gelman/research/published/signif4.pdf] Greenland, S., Senn, S.J., Rothman, K... [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27209009/]

28. In the minds of ancient Romans

Professor Emeritus Gregory S. Aldrete [https://gregorysaldrete.com/] explains some of the hallmarks of Ancient Roman psychology (i.e., their values and motivations). Greg shares rich context and examples, weaving together a story of similarities and differences between life in Ancient Rome and life now. We discuss a wide range of topics, from hand gestures used to compensate for lack of microphones in large arenas, tombstone engravings and graffiti messages, common pets, and sources that historians draw on to find the lesser heard voices of ancient Rome. Greg is Professor Emeritus of history at the University of University of Wisconsin-Green Bay [https://www.uwgb.edu/]. Greg is an ancient historian specialising in the study of civilisations, cultures, and history of the ancient Mediterranean world, particularly Ancient Greece and Rome. Greg is driven to figure out how stuff really worked in antiquity. You can reach out to Greg via email: aldretegs@gmail.com Explore other interesting work by Greg Books [https://www.amazon.com/Books-Gregory-S-Aldrete/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AGregory%2BS.%2BAldrete] The Great Courses [https://www.thegreatcourses.com/professors/gregory-s-aldrete] Website [https://gregorysaldrete.com/] I highly recommend subscribing to The Great Courses to access Greg's lecture series The Roman Empire: From Augustus to the Fall of Rome. [https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/the-roman-empire-from-augustus-to-the-fall-of-rome] Tim and I spent much of our end of year break in 2024 watching it. Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Aldrete, G. S. (2025, June 22). In the minds of ancient Romans (No. 28) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Professor Emeritus Gregory Aldrete for sharing your time and expertise.

27. The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys

In this episode, I catch up with Rahim Thawer about his book The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys, which is currently on presale and is being released 1 June, 2025. The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys offers a safe, inclusive space to examine, understand, and heal from systemic and interpersonal threats to your mental well-being. Based on proven-effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this book provides proven-effective tools and exercises to help you reflect on, confront, and manage difficult emotions; improve self-image and self-esteem; and develop healthy coping skills. This guidebook will help you: * Cultivate greater self-awareness * Move past negative thinking habits * Heal emotional wounds and build resilience * Challenge heteronormativity and gender role rigidity * Care for your sexual health. Rahim is a racialized, queer social worker who works as an instructor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, consultant, public speaker, podcast host [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cbt-dive/id1578761853], and writer [https://www.affectiveconsult.ca/writing]. He calls Toronto home and currently teaches at The University of Alabama [https://socialwork.ua.edu/blog/rahimthawer/]. His work [https://www.affectiveconsult.ca/] explores the intersection of mental health and systemic oppression. He has a particular interest in examining innovation in queer relationships and exploring how anti-racist, queer-affirming psychoanalytic frameworks can support social workers, training therapists, and organizational leaders. Pre-order The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys Amazon US [https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Health-Guide-Trans-Queer/dp/1648485030] Amazon Australia [https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1648485030?psc=1&smid=A4XRJ8S0WXSO0&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp] Works mentioned in this episode Thawer, R. (2025). The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys: Skills to Cope and Thrive as Your Authentic Self. Publisher: New Harbinger Publications. [Pre-Order [https://a.co/d/b7NBfJ4]] To see more of Rahim's work, check out ladyativan.com [https://allmylinks.com/ladyativan] Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Thawer, R. (2025, May 13). The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys (No. 27) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Rahim Thawer for sharing your time and expertise.

26. Writing and publishing a non-fiction book

Dr Will Dobud [https://www.willdobud.com/] shares insights about his experience of writing and publishing a non-fiction book - a lessons learnt kind of a chat. Rather than focusing on insights from the book content, we talk about the mechanics, processes, and experiences behind bringing together a non-fiction and mental health focused book. Will Dobud, PhD, MSW, is a Senior Social Work Lecturer at Charles Sturt University and an award-winning practitioner, educator, and researcher. He is recognised as a practitioner with international experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Will’s research focuses on improving young people’s experiences in therapeutic interventions and outdoor therapies and how clinicians can become more evidence-informed in their decision-making. Will also advocates for youth affected by unethical treatments and interventions, highlighted by the Troubled Teen Industry in the United States. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer for youth-serving organisations, travelling internationally to help organisations enhance their services for those they serve. Will and I collaborate on a wide range of topics and create practice resources together. Connect with Will on various social media platforms: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WillDobudPhD], X / Twitter [https://x.com/WillDobud], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-dobud-5209ab74/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/willdobud/] Experiential Practice Symposium Will is also the co-convenor for the first Experiential Practice Symposium held from 21-23 November on CSU’s Port Macquarie Campus. This is an affordable and accessible event with the theme of “Conversation as Experiential Learning.” Everyone is welcome to attend and facilitate an experiential workshop on learning, mental health, or the philosophy of experience. Learn more here: https://experientialpractice.csu.domains/ [https://experientialpractice.csu.domains/] Other episodes featuring Will 25. Kids these days: Understanding and supporting youth mental health [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/25-kids-these-days-understanding-and-supporting-youth-mental] 9. Exploring outdoor therapies [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/exploring-outdoor-therapies-with-dr-will-dobud] Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Dobud, W. (2025, April 12). Writing and publishing a non-fiction book (No. 26) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Dr Will Dobud for sharing your time and expertise. Related Psych Attack Episodes 22. Digital phenotyping: Using smartphone metadata to predict mental health symptoms [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/digital-phenotyping-using-smartphone-metadata-to-predict-mental-health-symptoms] 13. The role of animals in mental health practice [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/the-importance-of-pets-for-people-experiencing-poor-mental-health-with-dr-abigail-alfrey] 7. Mental health disorders and child development [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/mental-health-disorders-and-child-development-with-dr-tanya-hanstock] Related practice resources Building resilience in children and young people [https://aifs.gov.au/resources/policy-and-practice-papers/building-resilience-children-and-young-people#overview] Engaging young children (0-5 years) in nature play [https://aifs.gov.au/resources/practice-guides/engaging-young-children-0-5-years-nature-play] Related blog posts Child and adolescent mental health conference 2025 [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-conference-2025/]

25. Kids these days: Understanding and supporting youth mental health

In this episode, I catch up again with Dr Will Dobud [https://www.willdobud.com/] about his latest book called 'Kids These Days' [https://www.amazon.com/Kids-These-Days-Understanding-Supporting/dp/1774060221/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JESZA5TXZOK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ub3RUxM3n1flmjsztZZFzg.8ALCmenlIEJU3cOsJPYXSsz2q8qmeKYrlXgPSMfgt4c&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids+these+days+understanding+and+supporting+youth+mental+health&qid=1742766339&sprefix=%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-1], which is currently on presale. 'Kids These Days' is essentially a protest for protecting the heroism and spirit of youth. Will co-authored 'Kids These Days' with Professor Nevin Harper [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevinharper/] from the University of Victoria in Canada. This anticipated book offers a frank exploration of the rising rates of youth mental illness and the ways in which increased interference, intervention, and ideology have influenced these trends. To develop the book, Will and Nevin consulted with experts in therapeutic interventions, parenting, education, outdoor play, social media, and environmental toxins. They examined how mainstream media may, in fact, incite heightened moral panic without representing the best available evidence. Will Dobud, PhD, MSW, is a Senior Social Work Lecturer at Charles Sturt University and an award-winning practitioner, educator, and researcher. He is recognised as a practitioner with international experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Will’s research focuses on improving young people’s experiences in therapeutic interventions and outdoor therapies and how clinicians can become more evidence-informed in their decision-making. Will also advocates for youth affected by unethical treatments and interventions, highlighted by the Troubled Teen Industry in the United States. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer for youth-serving organisations, travelling internationally to help organisations enhance their services for those they serve. Will and I collaborate on a wide range of topics and create practice resources together.  Connect with Will Dobud and Nevin Harper on various social media platforms: Will: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WillDobudPhD], X / Twitter [https://x.com/WillDobud], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-dobud-5209ab74/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/willdobud/] Nevin: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevinharper/], Substack [https://adultsintheroom.substack.com/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kids_these_days_book/] Experiential Practice Symposium Will is also the co-convenor for the first Experiential Practice Symposium held from 21-23 November on CSU’s Port Macquarie Campus. This is an affordable and accessible event with the theme of “Conversation as Experiential Learning.” Everyone is welcome to attend and facilitate an experiential workshop on learning, mental health, or the philosophy of experience. Learn more here: https://experientialpractice.csu.domains/ [https://experientialpractice.csu.domains/] Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Dobud, W. (2025, March 27). Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental (No. 25) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be some errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Dr Will Dobud for sharing your time and expertise.