Hibristophilia (Criminal Attraction): Meaning, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Hibristophilia is a psychological phenomenon that refers to sexual or romantic attraction to people who commit crimes, particularly violent or high-profile ones. It may sound surprising, but many individuals have found themselves fascinated by criminals—not just fictional villains, but real-life offenders with disturbing histories. From serial killers receiving fan mail to prisoners marrying admirers, hibristophilia offers a striking glimpse into the human psyche.
Although it is not a common condition, hibristophilia is intriguing to psychologists and the general public alike. Understanding it requires a deeper look into attraction, trauma, fantasy, and how criminality can become a strangely seductive trait for some.
Hibristophilia is classified as a paraphilia, which refers to atypical sexual interests. In this case, the attraction is directed toward people who have committed crimes. Unlike common attraction to rebellious or “bad boy” traits, hibristophilia involves romantic or sexual interest in individuals who have committed serious, often violent offenses.
The term combines the Greek words hybris (pride, violence, or arrogance) and philia (love or attraction), reflecting the nature of this complex and controversial fascination. People with hibristophilia may be drawn to serial killers, rapists, or other violent offenders—not despite their actions, but sometimes because of them.
Types of Hibristophilia
Psychologists recognize two general types of hibristophilia, which help distinguish between different patterns of behavior.
Passive hibristophilia describes individuals who are attracted to criminals but do not want to engage in any illegal behavior themselves. They may write love letters to incarcerated individuals, follow their cases obsessively, or even marry them while they’re still in prison.
Active hibristophilia, on the other hand, involves a willingness to participate in or support criminal acts. This might include helping with escape plans, becoming an accomplice, or defending the criminal’s behavior in public or private forums.
Symptoms and Behavioral Signs
People who experience hibristophilia might exhibit various behaviors that reflect their fascination with criminals. While some actions may seem harmless or curious, others can escalate into concerning territory.
Common signs include:
Sending romantic or sexual letters to incarcerated criminals
Expressing admiration for known offenders
Fantasizing about relationships with dangerous or dominant partners
Defending or justifying criminal actions committed by a partner or idol
Feeling excitement or arousal when hearing about violent crimes
Believing they can change or rehabilitate the criminal with love
Not everyone with an interest in crime has hibristophilia. The condition is more intense and involves emotional, sexual, or romantic fixation on individuals known for serious wrongdoing.
Causes of Hibristophilia
There isn’t a single explanation for why someone develops hibristophilia. Like many psychological phenomena, it is often the result of multiple interwoven factors, including past trauma, attachment style, personality traits, and media influence.
Low Self-Esteem
Some individuals may believe they are undeserving of love from a “normal” partner. Being with someone in prison or with a violent background can feel safer, in a paradoxical way, because the criminal is emotionally or physically distant and less likely to leave them.
Desire for Control or Safety
Oddly enough, the idea of being with someone in prison may feel safe and predictable to some. They can fantasize about the relationship without the complexities of daily interaction. The fantasy becomes more controllable than a real relationship would be.
Media Influence
True crime media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of criminals. Movies, TV shows, and documentaries sometimes glamorize or romanticize violent individuals. This portrayal can lead some viewers to develop emotional attachments, blurring the line between reality and fiction.
Trauma and Attachment Issues
People with disorganized or anxious attachment styles, especially those who’ve experienced abuse, may associate love with danger or unpredictability. They may feel drawn to toxic dynamics that echo early life experiences.
The Savior Complex
This refers to a belief that they can “save” or “heal” someone with love. Those with hibristophilia may see the criminal as a broken soul who just needs care and understanding to change, making them feel special or needed.
Real-Life Examples of Hibristophilia
Several high-profile criminals have attracted significant attention and admiration from fans, sometimes resulting in romantic relationships.
Ted Bundy, a serial killer convicted of murdering dozens of women, received love letters and even got married while in prison. Many women claimed to see the “real” Bundy behind the crimes.
Richard Ramirez, known as the “Night Stalker,” received fan mail, photos, and sexual propositions. He married one of his admirers while incarcerated.
Chris Watts, who murdered his wife and children, became the object of affection for many women after his arrest, some of whom wrote to him hoping to form romantic relationships.
These cases are extreme but highlight how criminal fame and danger can fuel desire in certain individuals, often with deeply rooted psychological motivations.
Is Hibristophilia More Common in Women?
Research suggests that most reported cases involve women who are attracted to male criminals, particularly those who are violent or dominant. However, hibristophilia is not limited by gender or sexual orientation. Anyone can develop this pattern of attraction, though women are more likely to express it publicly through letters or media interactions.
Some theories suggest that women are socialized to be nurturing or empathetic, making them more likely to fall into the role of the “rescuer.” Others argue that traditional gender roles romanticize the idea of a dangerous but misunderstood man.
Is Hibristophilia Dangerous?
In most cases, hibristophilia is harmless to society—especially when it involves passive fantasies or non-contact correspondence with criminals. However, in active cases, it can become extremely dangerous.
Some individuals have aided criminals in escaping, covered up evidence, or joined them in committing further crimes. The risk increases when admiration turns into obsession or when the individual ignores red flags in pursuit of emotional fulfillment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Hibristophilia is not specifically listed in the DSM-5, the standard manual for diagnosing mental health conditions. However, it may be classified under paraphilic disorders if it causes significant distress or impairs functioning.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for identifying and challenging irrational beliefs related to attraction, love, and danger. A therapist helps individuals explore the roots of their patterns and reshape how they view relationships.
Trauma-Focused Counseling
For those with a history of abuse or unstable relationships, trauma-informed therapy can provide a safe space to process past pain and understand why certain behaviors feel familiar or appealing.
Psychoeducation
Learning about how criminal behavior manipulates and harms others can help someone with hibristophilic tendencies reframe their perception of the offender and reduce idealization.
Support Groups
Peer support from others who’ve faced unhealthy relationship patterns can reduce shame and provide guidance. Feeling less alone is key to moving toward healthier attachments.
Boundaries and Self-Compassion
Setting emotional boundaries and cultivating self-worth and self-love are essential. When someone begins to recognize their own value, they are less likely to settle for harmful or unrealistic relationships.
Hibristophilia may sound like a fringe curiosity, but it reflects deeper truths about human attachment, fantasy, trauma, and identity. It challenges our understanding of love, danger, and morality. While not everyone who follows true crime or writes to prisoners has hibristophilia, those who find themselves emotionally or romantically obsessed with violent offenders might benefit from exploring the root of these feelings in a safe and nonjudgmental space.
FAQs about hibristophilia
What is the difference between hibristophilia and hybristophilia?
There is no difference—they are variant spellings of the same condition. Both refer to attraction to individuals who commit crimes, especially violent or dominant acts.
Can hibristophilia be cured?
While not an illness in the traditional sense, hibristophilia can be treated through therapy, especially if it causes emotional distress or interferes with forming healthy relationships. Recovery involves insight, healing, and often reworking internal beliefs about love, power, and safety.
Is hibristophilia a form of fetish?
It can fall under the category of paraphilias, which include sexual interests outside of the norm. However, not all people with hibristophilia experience it sexually—some are emotionally drawn to criminals instead of physically aroused.
Why do people idolize serial killers?
For some, it’s about fascination. For others, it’s a desire for closeness with power or danger. In certain cases, idolization stems from trauma, low self-esteem, or the fantasy that they can “reach” someone no one else could.
Are people with hibristophilia aware of their condition?
Sometimes. Some people recognize that their feelings are unusual or socially unacceptable, while others may believe their attraction is romantic or justified. Therapy can help improve self-awareness and create healthier relational patterns.
Can someone with hibristophilia have a normal relationship?
Yes—with support and insight, individuals can develop secure and fulfilling relationships. Many move past these attraction patterns after understanding where they come from and addressing any underlying trauma or emotional wounds.
References
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edition). Arlington: Pan -American Medical Editorial.
Muse, M., Frigola, G. (2003). The evaluation and treatment of paraphilic disorders. Psychosomatic Medicine Notebooks and Liaison Psychiatry, 65 (4), 55-72.
