What Was Kaitlyn Armstrong Thinking When She Attempted To Escape?
Nov 07, 2023, 06:00 PM
What triggers a seemingly ordinary person to potentially commit an extraordinary crime? This question lies at the heart of the recent "Hidden Killers" podcast episode with host Tony Brueski and psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott, as they delve into the mind of Kaitlin Armstrong, who is accused of murdering Anna Moriah Wilson. The case raises fascinating questions about rage, jealousy, and the psychological mechanisms that may lead one to extreme behavior.
According to the podcast discussion, Armstrong's potential actions could be viewed through the lens of a heat-of-the-moment rage triggered by jealousy. The case suggests that upon discovering communication between her boyfriend and Wilson via an app, Armstrong may have been consumed by an uncontrollable anger that led to alleged drastic measures. "The rage can be all-consuming and alters the way that they're thinking and the way that they're perceiving," Shavaun Scott explains, shedding light on the cognitive distortion that can occur in such intense emotional states.
But what happens immediately after such an act? The conversation turns to the concept of fight or flight, suggesting that Armstrong chose flight, evidenced by her reportedly extreme efforts to change her appearance. This level of response, including accessing her sister's passport and undergoing plastic surgery, is indeed rare and suggests a degree of premeditation, as Brueski and Scott discuss. Scott speculates, "Having apparently funds...to enable her to get plastic surgery. My guess on that was she had not been happy with her nose anyway...but that's where my mind went."
As the podcast delves deeper, it reveals that individuals who can commit such acts may often appear utterly normal in other aspects of their lives. Scott points out the duality of Armstrong's persona: "She may have been a very benign, typical kind of yoga teacher on the outside...but it doesn't surprise me that this kind of thing can happen because it is the two sides."
The discussion highlights the difficulty in recognizing warning signs in individuals who may be capable of such extreme behavior, especially early in relationships. Scott notes that these individuals "can be very seductive and very appealing" and can often "role play normal." One of the key warning signs she identifies is "intense rage episodes that seem to come out of really benign situations," which can be an indicator of a more profound emotional disorder.
Shavaun Scott's insights also underscore the challenges family members and partners face when dealing with someone who might have such a disorder. The complexities are such that while the individual may exhibit caring and positive traits at times, these are not representative of their entire character. As Scott explains, "when times are good, times can be really good," which often makes the situation exceedingly confusing for those close to the person.
The episode doesn't shy away from discussing Armstrong's attempted escapes, including her decision to flee just before her trial. Scott reflects on the possible disconnection from reality, which could be linked to the term 'borderline' itself. It was "originally many years ago...thought it was on the borderline between somebody who just had kind of normal neurotic problems...and psychosis," Scott says. This suggests a pattern of behavior where emotional turmoil might lead to impulsive, even self-destructive actions.
In summary, the "Hidden Killers" podcast episode weaves a complex narrative of human psychology, exploring the deep-seated issues that can drive a person to allegedly commit a heinous act. From the discussion emerges a portrait of a person who, under the surface of an ordinary life, might harbor intense emotions capable of overriding rational thought and provoking extreme behavior.
This narrative prompts us to consider the intricate web of human emotions and how they can sometimes lead to tragedy. But one question remains: Can we ever truly predict when someone might cross the line from passionate emotions to dangerous actions?
According to the podcast discussion, Armstrong's potential actions could be viewed through the lens of a heat-of-the-moment rage triggered by jealousy. The case suggests that upon discovering communication between her boyfriend and Wilson via an app, Armstrong may have been consumed by an uncontrollable anger that led to alleged drastic measures. "The rage can be all-consuming and alters the way that they're thinking and the way that they're perceiving," Shavaun Scott explains, shedding light on the cognitive distortion that can occur in such intense emotional states.
But what happens immediately after such an act? The conversation turns to the concept of fight or flight, suggesting that Armstrong chose flight, evidenced by her reportedly extreme efforts to change her appearance. This level of response, including accessing her sister's passport and undergoing plastic surgery, is indeed rare and suggests a degree of premeditation, as Brueski and Scott discuss. Scott speculates, "Having apparently funds...to enable her to get plastic surgery. My guess on that was she had not been happy with her nose anyway...but that's where my mind went."
As the podcast delves deeper, it reveals that individuals who can commit such acts may often appear utterly normal in other aspects of their lives. Scott points out the duality of Armstrong's persona: "She may have been a very benign, typical kind of yoga teacher on the outside...but it doesn't surprise me that this kind of thing can happen because it is the two sides."
The discussion highlights the difficulty in recognizing warning signs in individuals who may be capable of such extreme behavior, especially early in relationships. Scott notes that these individuals "can be very seductive and very appealing" and can often "role play normal." One of the key warning signs she identifies is "intense rage episodes that seem to come out of really benign situations," which can be an indicator of a more profound emotional disorder.
Shavaun Scott's insights also underscore the challenges family members and partners face when dealing with someone who might have such a disorder. The complexities are such that while the individual may exhibit caring and positive traits at times, these are not representative of their entire character. As Scott explains, "when times are good, times can be really good," which often makes the situation exceedingly confusing for those close to the person.
The episode doesn't shy away from discussing Armstrong's attempted escapes, including her decision to flee just before her trial. Scott reflects on the possible disconnection from reality, which could be linked to the term 'borderline' itself. It was "originally many years ago...thought it was on the borderline between somebody who just had kind of normal neurotic problems...and psychosis," Scott says. This suggests a pattern of behavior where emotional turmoil might lead to impulsive, even self-destructive actions.
In summary, the "Hidden Killers" podcast episode weaves a complex narrative of human psychology, exploring the deep-seated issues that can drive a person to allegedly commit a heinous act. From the discussion emerges a portrait of a person who, under the surface of an ordinary life, might harbor intense emotions capable of overriding rational thought and provoking extreme behavior.
This narrative prompts us to consider the intricate web of human emotions and how they can sometimes lead to tragedy. But one question remains: Can we ever truly predict when someone might cross the line from passionate emotions to dangerous actions?