What is one motive identified by Resnick for child killing?

• A. Revenge
• B. Poverty
• C. Instinct
• D. Anger

Answer: (A)

Resnick identified several motives for child killing, which help to understand the complex psychological factors leading to such tragic acts. One recognized motive is revenge. In cases of revenge, the perpetrator often acts out of a deep-seated desire to settle perceived scores, often against another individual or society, that can manifest destructively towards children. This might stem from feelings of betrayal or personal grievances, and targeted acts like these may be aimed at causing emotional pain to others by attacking what they hold dear.

The context shows that while other options such as anger, instinct, and poverty can play roles in different scenarios of child killing, revenge specifically highlights a calculated emotional state that drives individuals to commit these acts with the intent to inflict harm as a form of retaliation. Understanding motives like this is crucial in examining the psychological landscape of offenders and the societal implications surrounding such crimes.