THE DISSONANT CLOWN: A PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF JOHN WAYNE GACY
In partial fulfillment of the requirements
for PSYCH 102: Developmental Psychology
under the Bachelor of Science in Psychology of the
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Caraga State University
CAROBIN B. CARPIO
JERIAN GEL CONSIGNA
JULIE ANNE S. PEREYRA
MARY GRACE C. PLAZA
PSYCH 102 - B1
MAY 2024
pg. 1 out of 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.
BACKGROUND OF THE CASE
03
a. Demographic Information
03
b. Family Background
03
c. Facts of the Case
04
i. Early Childhood Development
04
ii. Middle Childhood Development
04
iii. Adolescence
05
iv. Young and Emerging Adulthood Development
06
v. Middle Adulthood Development
16
CASE CONCEPTUALIZATION
17
a. Theoretical Framework for Physical Development
17
b. Theoretical Framework for Cognitive Development
17
c. Theoretical Framework for Psychosocial Development
18
III.
SUMMARY
19
IV.
REFERENCES
21
V.
APPENDICES
24
a. Informed Consent
24
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I.
BACKGROUND OF THE CASE
This chapter presents the Demographic Information and Facts of the Case, including those
from the early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, young and emerging adulthood,
and middle adulthood of development.
a. Demographic Information
Name
Sex
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
No. of Siblings
Citizenship
Civil Status
No. of Children
Educational Attainment
Famously Known As
John Wayne Gacy
Male
March 17, 1942
Chicago, Illinois
2
American
Married
2
College Graduate
Pogo the Clown, The Clown Killer
John Wayne Gacy, born on March 17, 1942, in Chicago Illinois. He came from a
middle-class family and is the only son among the three children of John Stanley Gacy and
Marion Elaine Robinson. He stopped middle school, however he graduated with a business
degreeJohn Wayne Gacy belonged to a middle class family. His father was an auto repair
mechanist and World War I veteran, while his mother was a homemaker. He was fostered in
a Roman Catholic family. His father was a strict disciplinarian which contributed to their
toxic relationship. However, he was close with his mother and two sisters. from
Northwestern Business College. He was a notorious American serial killer known as “Pogo
the Clown” and “The Clown Killer” who murdered 33 boys and young men.
b.
Family Background
Name of the Family Affiliation
Member
Subject
John Stanley Gacy
Marion
Elaine
Robinson
Joanne Gacy
Karen Gacy
Marlynn Myers
Caroll Hoff
Michael Gacy
Christine Gacy
to
Father
Mother
Older Sibling
Younger Sibling
Former Wife
Former Wife
Son
Daughter
the Medical Condition
Diagnosis
(if
applicable)
Liver cirrhosis
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Mental
Disorder
Diagnosis
(if
applicable)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
John Wayne Gacy belongs to a middle class family. His father was an auto repair mechanist
and World War I veteran, while his mother was a homemaker. He was fostered in a Roman
Catholic family. His father was a strict disciplinarian which contributed to their toxic
relationship. However, he was close with his mother and two sisters.
c. Facts of the Case
pg. 3 out of 23
i.
Early Childhood Development (3-6)
▪ Physical Development
From a very young age, John was feeble, ill, and overweight. He was
born with an enlarged bottleneck heart which prevented him from taking
part in sports (Baldeo, 2023).
▪ Psychosocial Development
John has always been seeking approval from his father. Even though
he was unable to gain it, he still declared ‘love’ for his father (Robertson,
2004). In his early childhood, he already experienced events that might be
crucial to the development of his sexual identity. At age five, John
experienced his first sexual assault when an older neighborhood girl
tricked him and ushered him into the tall grass where she fondled his
genitals (Baldeo, 2023). At that same age, another older girl, in which
Gacy described as “mentally retarded” (Wilkinson, 1994), had also
sexually assaulted him in an event when Gacy's mother brought him to a
friend's house in their neighborhood. The girl brought Gacy upstairs,
inside a room, and fondled his genitals (Robertson, 2004).
ii.
Middle Childhood Development (6-11)
▪ Physical Development
John Wayne Gacy was an overweight and unathletic kid. Sources said
that he was often physically beaten by his drunken father, John Stanley
Gacy. His father disciplined him and his siblings by beating them with a
razor strap (McEvoy, 2023). At age seven, his father beat him after
knowing from his mother that he tried wearing women’s underwear
(Pieterse, 2012).
▪ Cognitive Development
Gacy enjoys utilizing his creativity by building forts; however, his
father destroyed all of it except for the one he had hidden (Dobbert,
2009). Moreover, Sources stated that Gacy and his childhood friend Barry
Boschelli used to engage in fantasy to cope with the treatment of their
fathers. They would imagine traveling in a jungle, where the cars are wild
animals, and the streets are the jungle itself. Furthermore, Gacy was
described as a convincing child, if something does not go in his way, he
would walk away or even lie just to get what he wants (Bardsley & Bell,
2008; Boschelli, 2008). Gacy also enjoyed making money during his
younger years. One of those ideas he developed was running what seems
to be a restaurant in the basement of the home of his childhood friend
Boschelli. Gacy was tasked with handling money transactions while
Boschelli and their sisters were assigned to serve the food to the
customers, who were mostly children from their neighborhood (Boschelli,
2008).
▪ Psychosocial Development
John Wayne Gacy had a terrible relationship with his alcoholic father,
who abused the entire family physically and emotionally. However, Gacy
suffered the most (Pieterse, 2012). His father often humiliated and
insulted him, frequently calling him stupid and comparing him
unfavorably with his sister (McEvoy, 2023). At age seven, Gacy was
pg. 4 out of 23
caught stealing his mother's underwear. Because of this, his father beat
him, while his mother forced him to wear the underwear he stole to
embarrass him (Robertson, 2004). Sources have also stated that John
Wayne Gacy experienced sexual assault as a child from a contractor who
was considered as a friend of his father. The contractor offered John's
parents to take him on a tour of the building sites he was working on and
to buy him an ice cream after. On their first meeting, the contractor
wants to show a new 'wrestling hold' to Gacy, but it turns out to be an
excuse to grope him. After that, the man would buy him ice cream to
silence him, and the cycle would continue until Gacy recognized that
what he was doing to him was more than just a play (Robertson, 2004).
When Gacy was a member of the Boy Scouts, it was reported that he had
trouble in managing his anger. (Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Linedecker,
1986). Moreover, he does not respect the rules of the organization and
had some issues with other members. However, other sources stated
that he enjoyed doing scouting activities and even socialized with the
other members (Coetsee, 2017). During a Jamboree camp, an event
where scouts gather, it was reported that Gacy argued with one of the
scouts he did not get along with. He eventually left the camp and was
later found on the side of the road dehydrated. After that event, he was
not a member of the Boy Scouts anymore (Boschelli, 2008).
iii.
Adolescence (11-20)
▪ Physical Development
During his early adolescence, Gacy used to experience frequent
blackouts. A source has stated that he had his tonsils removed and
experienced seizures that led to frequent hospitalizations. He also
survived a burst appendix, which required a five-day stay in the hospital
(Dobbert, 2009; Linedecker, 1986). During his stay, blood clots were
detected, which was a result of an accident that happened when he was
11 years old. A swing hit him on the head (Bardsley & Bell, 2008).
Additionally, he was also an inactive teen due to his weight and his heart
condition. These health issues affected his academic performance,
causing him to miss school frequently and experience a decline in his
overall well-being (Coetsee, 2017).
▪ Cognitive Development
After Gacy's swing accident, some of his acquaintances noticed that
he was kind of different from before. In addition, he also exhibited
language difficulties and had trouble formulating a sentence (Pieterse,
2012).
▪
Psychosocial Development
Although Gacy was not considered as famous in school, he was
known to be easy-going and had a decent amount of friends. He had a
typical social life (Pieterse, 2002). And when he was 11 years old, he had
a friend whom his sister referred to as odd and gay. Furthermore, in his
adolescent years, it was typical for boys his age to have a part-time job,
pg. 5 out of 23
thus he had a newspaper route but later worked at a grocery store
(Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Linedecker, 1986).
He would start to date girls at 16 and would be involved in sexual
activity by 18 (Herman et al., 1984). Despite having a great bond with his
mother and sisters, he had a more distant and conflicting relationship
with his father. He dropped out in senior high school and would later run
from home and move to Las Vegas with his cousin (Wilkinson, 1994). He
would steal underwear at his workplace and would eventually use it as a
tool for self-pleasure (Herman et al., 1984). Eventually, Gacy returned to
Chicago, enrolled in a business class, and later worked as a shoe
salesman (Wilkinson, 1994).
iv.
Young and Emerging Adulthood Development (20-40)
▪ Physical Development
During the investigation into the sudden disappearance of his final
victim, Robert Piest, Gacy denied any involvement, citing health issues
that would have hindered his ability to harm anyone (Buller et al., 2009;
Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). He stated that he was suffering from leukemia
and predicted his death within a four-year timeframe (Goldberg &
Morrison, 2004; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). After Gacy confessed to the
crime and detectives went back to his house to examine the crawl space,
he started having chest pains. Paramedics came and found his blood
pressure elevated. He was transported to the nearby hospital but was
subsequently brought back to the police station. (Linedecker, 1986;
Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). Gacy admitted that as he got older and his
health worsened, making it hard for him to dig in the crawl space, he got
rid of five more victims by dumping them in the Des Plaines River close to
his home (Linedecker, 1986; Lohr, 2001; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983) While
in prison, Gacy often needed to go to the hospital because he suffered
from angina pectoris, a long-term heart problem. He had a history of
fainting and chest pains, but his medical records showed he had never
had a heart attack or brain injury, and no physical disorder was found.
(Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983).
▪ Cognitive Development
Before facing trial, Gacy underwent mental health assessments at
two different psychiatric institutions. Both evaluations determined that
he was mentally capable of standing trial. However, they suggested that
he should be closely supervised by external authorities. (Linedecker,
1986; Taylor, 2003). Observers noted that Gacy had a habit of bending
the truth to avoid being seen negatively, and he would only confess to
socially unacceptable actions when directly confronted. (Maiken &
Sullivan, 1983, p. 271).
Additionally, it was observed that Gacy had a keen understanding of
social dynamics and knew how to behave in ways that would influence
others effectively. (Maiken & Sullivan, 1983, p. 271). Psychiatrist, Dr.
Gauron, documented several findings regarding Gacy's behavior: Firstly,
Gacy constantly denies responsibility for his actions, providing alibis for
pg. 6 out of 23
everything and shifting blame onto his environment or portraying himself
as a victim of others. Dr. Gauron interprets this behavior not as paranoia,
but as a strategy to elicit sympathy by portraying himself as a victim of a
hostile world. Gacy's main objective, according to Dr. Gauron, is to
outsmart others and gain advantage before being exploited himself.
Additionally, Gacy demonstrates impulsivity, acting without considering
the consequences and exhibiting poor judgment (Maiken & Sullivan,
1983, pp. 271-272). Following his arrest, Gacy provided a map detailing
the locations of the bodies, which proved to be remarkably accurate.
However, he disclaimed responsibility for drawing it, attributing it
instead to a persona named 'Jack.' Gacy claimed to suffer from multiple
personalities, with 'Jack' being the one responsible for the murders. He
marked the locations of the graves on the map and expressed inability to
recall instances where multiple bodies were buried together (Maiken &
Sullivan, 1983). Half a year following Gacy’s apprehension, Amirante
submitted legal papers asserting that "The defendant plans to argue
that the state lacks sufficient evidence to prove his guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt, and will also present the affirmative defense of
insanity" (Linedecker, 1986, p. 215).
According to Illinois law, if a mental defect or illness hindered
someone from comprehending the criminal nature of their actions at the
time of the offense, they were deemed not accountable for the crime
(Linedecker, 1986). The Illinois Supreme Court specified that proof of
sociopathic personality, mental illness, or defect alone wasn't adequate
to establish insanity as a defense. According to the state penal code at
that time, an individual wouldn't be held criminally responsible for their
actions if, due to a mental illness or defect, they lacked significant
capacity to understand the criminal nature of their conduct or to adhere
to legal requirements (Goldberg & Morrison, 2004, p. 102). Gacy claimed
that insanity, particularly citing multiple personality disorder, was the
driving force behind his murders. (Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Beattie, 2007).
He claimed to possess four distinct personas: 'John the contractor,' 'John
the clown,' 'John the politician,' and a fourth persona named Jack Hanley,
whom he attributed as the perpetrator of the crimes (Bardsley & Bell,
2008; Linedecker, 1986; Lohr, 2001; Seaman & Wilson, 2007). During his
opening statements, Robert Motta, who joined Amirante as Gacy's
defense lawyer, argued that Gacy couldn't be held accountable for his
actions due to an unconscious and uncontrollable mental illness. He
elaborated that Gacy had engaged in various other activities in his life,
such as work, politics, and clowning, as a means of coping with
something beyond his control. Motta emphasized that a psychiatrist had
identified several mental illnesses in Gacy, indicating his insanity to an
extent where traditional labels couldn't fully explain the complexity of his
condition (Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan,
1983).
pg. 7 out of 23
The next witness called to the stand was Thomas Eliseo, a clinical
psychologist from Rockford, who had conducted a thorough assessment
of Gacy lasting five and a half hours. Eliseo's findings revealed that Gacy
possessed high intelligence, ranking among the top ten percent of the
population in terms of cognitive ability (Goldberg & Morrison, 2004;
Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983; Taylor, 2003). He further
noted that he classified Gacy as "borderline schizophrenic," a term used
to characterize someone who appears normal externally but harbors a
variety of neurotic, antisocial, and psychotic tendencies (Linedecker,
1986, p. 228). Dr. Lawrence Z. Freedman described Gacy as a
pseudo-neurotic paranoid schizophrenic, linking this mental illness to the
abuse Gacy experienced during his childhood (Linedecker, 1986). Dr.
Freedman continued by noting that Gacy exhibited obsessive and
compulsive tendencies. Additionally, he stated that he had not observed
Gacy in a dissociative state and doubted the authenticity of his claim
regarding multiple personalities (Goldberg & Morrison, 2004). Dr. Richard
Rappaport, a seasoned psychiatrist from Chicago, conducted extensive
interviews with Gacy totaling sixty-five hours. He also arranged various
consultations and tests, in addition to reviewing Gacy's medical records.
Rappaport concluded that there were no significant organic brain
disorders that could account for Gacy's actions (Linedecker, 1986; Maiken
& Sullivan, 1983). In his testimony, Dr. Rappaport refuted the notion that
Gacy had multiple personality disorder, suggesting instead that Gacy's
adoption of the name Jack Hanley was a deliberate strategy to avoid
detection (Linedecker, 1986). He characterized Gacy as having a
borderline personality organization, specifically with a subtype of
psychopathic personality, and noted the presence of episodes of
underlying paranoid schizophrenia (Maiken & Sullivan, 1983, p. 253). He
noted that Gacy experienced paranoid schizophrenic episodes during
periods of intense stress, during which he would lose control over his
defenses. This lack of inhibition allowed underlying psychological
conflicts to manifest in the form of outward behavior (Maiken & Sullivan,
1983, p. 253). Dr. Robert A. Reifman, the director of the Psychiatric
Institute at Cermak Hospital, testified that he believed Gacy was
attempting to fabricate multiple personality disorder and did not
genuinely suffer from it. He pointed out that individuals with this
disorder typically cannot recall events that occur while another
personality is in control, a phenomenon Gacy did not exhibit, thus
undermining his claims of multiple personalities (Linedecker, 1986).
Additionally, Dr. Reifman expressed skepticism regarding Gacy's
assertion of experiencing thirty-three instances of temporary insanity,
stating that Gacy suffered from a personality disorder rather than a
mental illness (Goldberg & Morrison, 2004; Linedecker, 1986). Dr.
Reifman also argued that it would have been improbable for Gacy to have
successfully lured his victims if he had been disconnected from reality. He
contended that Gacy did not exhibit irresistible impulses, as he
meticulously planned these events in advance. Dr. Reifman characterized
pg. 8 out of 23
▪
Gacy as an efficient and functional individual despite his personality
disorder (Maiken & Sullivan, 1983).
Psychosocial Development
As an adult, Gacy was characterized as a person's words, charming,
and naturally sociable (Linedecker, 1986). He displayed charm and
persistence, along with a commitment to completing tasks (Buckholtz &
Kiehl, 2010). At the age of twenty, in 1962, Gacy departed from his family
home. He hadn't successfully completed high school, having attended
four different schools during his final year or two of secondary education
(Bell and Bardsley, 2001). He went to Las Vegas and got a part-time job
as a janitor at the Palm Mortuary. People said he was a good worker,
always reliable, and polite. Gacy mentioned that he even climbed into a
coffin to see what it felt like (Dobbert, 2009; Goldberg & Morrison, 2004;
Vronsky, 2004).
After coming back from his time in Las Vegas, he enrolled in a
business school in Chicago. It turned out to be a wise move as he quickly
excelled in sales. He had a natural talent for selling, with the ability to
charm his way through any situation. Upon completing his studies, he
secured a position at the Nunn-Bush Shoe Company as a management
trainee (Bell and Bardsley, 2001). This portrayal of success, which Gacy
himself appeared to embrace, sharply contrasts with the image of the
inadequate young boy whom his father often held responsible for various
issues. Criticism from parents can cause lasting emotional wounds and
lead to persistent efforts to refute the label of 'failure'. Despite Gacy's
early struggles, he was able to present a convincing façade of
professional and social success as a young adult. Over time, it is possible
he became so immersed in this façade that it consumed his identity
(Pieterse, 2012). In 1964, his company moved him to Springfield, Illinois.
Because he worked hard, they made him the manager of their men's
clothing store, Roberts Brothers (Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan,
1983; SAC, St. Louis, 1979). Gacy also had a way with words that made
people like him (Linedecker, 1986). While working as a shoe salesman in
Springfield, Gacy met and married Marilynn Myers, who was also a
coworker at the department store where he worked. They got married in
September 1964 (Wilkinson, 1994: 62). Gacy's new father-in-law didn't
think highly of him, considering him a braggart and a liar. Consequently,
Gacy ended up relocating to Waterloo, Iowa, where he worked and
eventually managed several of his in-laws' fast-food outlets, specifically
Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises. During this time, they lived in
Marilyn's parents' house in Waterloo (Sullivan and Maiken, 1983: 261). In
Springfield, Gacy became involved with the Junior Chamber of Commerce,
also known as the Jaycees, with the aim of improving the community
(Buckholtz & Kiehl, 2010; Linedecker, 1986; SAC, St. Louis, 1979). He
dedicated himself to this organization and gained recognition as one of
the promising young leaders in the state capital. Within a year of his
arrival in Springfield, in 1965, Gacy was elected as the first vice-president
of the local Jaycees chapter and was also honored as the outstanding
pg. 9 out of 23
man of the year for that chapter (Buckholtz & Kiehl, 2010; Dobbert, 2009;
Linedecker, 1986; Vronsky, 2004). The significance of Gacy's marriage to
Marilyn is seen in the subsequent change in his workplace environment.
Upon managing his father-in-law’s fast food outlets, he found himself in
frequent contact with young boys, who were his employees. This
exposure coincided with Gacy's first reported homosexual encounter
(Wilkinson, 1994: 62; Egger, 1998: 97). Gacy was observed paying
attention to teenage boys who worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken, and
sometimes he would offer rides home to those he found attractive. Some
of the boys who refused his offers started to avoid him, and there were
rumors circulating that Gacy might have a preference for young boys
(Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983; Moss,
1999). Shortly after marrying Marilyn while she was pregnant. Gacy
recounted an incident where intoxicated at a party, he awoke to find a
male friend performing oral sex on him. Despite feeling unable to stop
the encounter and admitting to enjoying it, he experienced months of
depression upon recollection (Wilkinson, 1994: 62). Following their move
to Waterloo, Iowa, Marlynn and Gacy welcomed their first child, a son, in
1966, followed by a daughter in 1967 (Dobbert, 2009; Linedecker, 1986;
Seaman & Wilson, 2007; Vronsky, 2004). Neighbors who were acquainted
with the Gacys during this period noted that Gacy seemed to be a
dedicated parent (Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). This incident highlights
Gacy's enduring uncertainty regarding sexuality throughout his life. He
felt drawn to activities that brought him pleasure, yet he harbored an
ingrained belief that homosexual behavior was unacceptable (Robertson,
2004). During this period, Gacy adopted a new tactic to groom his victims
by establishing a 'social club' in the basement of his house. In exchange
for a monthly fee, Gacy allowed young male employees from fast food
outlets to drink alcohol and play pool at his 'club' (Egger, 1998: 107).
With a continuous turnover of young male staff at his businesses, Gacy
seemingly had an endless pool of potential sexual partners. Some of
these employees who joined him on security patrols also frequented his
club. Egger (1998: 107) notes that Gacy regularly coerced selected boys
into performing sexual acts on him at his club, either through
intimidation or by convincing them he was conducting scientific
experiments on sexual behavior in Illinois. Gacy was becoming adept at
trapping victims, although initially, it appears he used them solely for his
sexual satisfaction. Nevertheless, he had created an environment
conducive to escalating violence. In May 1968, Gacy faced arrest on
charges of allegedly engaging in sodomy with a teenage boy. Testimony
from two boys indicated that Gacy had allegedly attempted to entice or
pressure them into sexual encounters on different occasions (LaBrode,
2007; Linedecker, 1986; SAC, St. Louis, 1979; Vronsky, 2004). James
Tullery reported an incident where Gacy invited him to his home to play
pool, have a drink, and watch adult films while Gacy's family was away.
After some drinking and gaming, Gacy jokingly suggested a sexual act
between them, which Tullery declined. They then watched adult films
together. Following this, a disturbing series of events occurred: Gacy
pg. 10 out of 23
allegedly threatened Tullery with a knife, restrained him with ropes,
choked him until he lost consciousness, and then released him (Dobbert,
2009; Linedecker, 1986; Taylor, 2003). Gacy was identified as bisexual
and was noted not to have a singular fixation on abnormal sexual objects
(Linedecker, 1986). On November 7, 1968, Gacy pleaded guilty to a
charge of sodomy, resulting in the dismissal of other charges a few
months later. During the sentencing phase, arguments were presented
by both attorneys, with Gacy's lawyer advocating for probation and the
state prosecutor pushing for the maximum sentence. Judge Van Metre
ultimately sentenced Gacy to ten years at the Iowa State Reformatory for
men in Anamosa, the maximum penalty for the offense at the time.
Reports indicate that Gacy displayed no surprise or emotion upon hearing
the sentence (Linedecker, 1986). At twenty-six years old, Gacy became
inmate number 26526 in prison (Linedecker, 1986). Gacy's first wife,
Marilyn, divorced him, stating that his homosexual behavior was a breach
of their marriage vows (Bell and Bardsley, 2001).After the divorce in
1969, Marilynn completely severed ties with Gacy, refusing to permit
their children to visit him in prison. Their separation seemed permanent,
as Gacy reportedly informed his prison acquaintances that he considered
his children to be dead to him (Egger, 1998: 98). While Gacy was in
prison, his father passed away on December 25, 1969. Unfortunately,
Gacy was unable to attend the funeral (Goldberg & Morrison, 2004;
Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). There's not much written
about Gacy's first time in prison. What is known is that he was good at
following rules and routines, which made him seem like a well-behaved
prisoner. He was also smart enough to realize that if he stayed out of
trouble and behaved himself, he might get released early (Bell & Bardsley,
2001). Gacy was released on parole from prison on June 18, 1970, after
serving eighteen months of his sentence (Dobbert, 2009; Linedecker,
1986; SAC, St. Louis, 1979). After his release from prison, Gacy struggled
with periods of depression, feeling deep regret for never having the
chance to say goodbye to his father. He felt robbed of the opportunity to
mend his relationship with John W. Gacy, Sr., whom he loved deeply
despite his abusive behavior (Bell & Bardsley, 2001). Four months
following his release from prison, Gacy made the decision to invest in a
home, with financial assistance from his mother, to purchase a
two-bedroom ranch house. The house was located at 8213 Summerdale
Avenue in Norwood Park Township, just a few blocks outside of the
northwestern city limits of Chicago (Dobbert, 2009; Linedecker, 1986;
SAC, St. Louis, 1979). Gacy was consistently seen by his neighbors
working on various projects to enhance his house according to his
preferences. These projects included activities such as adding to the
exterior walls, laying cement, digging holes, and applying lime to the
crawl space to combat dampness. In an extended area of the house, Gacy
created a recreation room, complete with sliding doors, a pool table,
game machines, and a bar (Linedecker, 1986; Moss, 1999). He decorated
this space with bright-colored paintings and pictures of clowns
(Linedecker, 1986). Just eight months after being released on parole,
pg. 11 out of 23
Gacy found himself in trouble again due to an alleged sexual assault. In
February 1971, a young man in Chicago, where Gacy had returned to live
after his parole, reported to the police that Gacy had picked him up and
attempted to coerce him into having sex (Wilkinson, 1994: 62). Gacy's
response mirrored a previous excuse – he claimed that it was the boy
who initiated the proposition. He asserted that he had picked up the boy
at a bus terminal and when the young man had solicited sex, he stopped
the car and ejected the boy. Although Gacy was charged over the
incident, the witness did not appear in court, resulting in the charge
being dropped (Bell and Bardsley, 2001). After settling into his new home
for a few months, Gacy began socializing with his neighbors, forming a
lasting friendship with the couple next door that spanned seven years.
They would often visit each other, playing card games and spending time
together. During this period, Gacy started dating Carol Hoff (Linedecker,
1986). Carol, who had recently gone through a divorce and had two
daughters, had known Gacy since their youth, and she had been close
friends with his sisters. Gacy and Hoff rekindled their relationship and
eventually became engaged, exchanging vows on June 1, 1972 (Dobbert,
2009; Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983; Taylor, 2003). Gacy was
described as engaging and considerate, forming a strong bond with
Carol's daughters. His hardworking and generous nature left a positive
impression on Hoff. However, Carol's mother harbored reservations
about the marriage, expressing concerns about Gacy's mood swings and
occasional unpredictable bouts of rage (Goldberg & Morrison, 2004;
Linedecker, 1986). Despite these reservations, the wedding proceeded,
with the reception held in Gacy's backyard, allowing him to handle much
of the catering and planning himself (Linedecker, 1986; Maiken &
Sullivan, 1983). On June 22, 1972, Gacy was arrested once again, this
time accused of aggravated battery and reckless conduct (SAC, St. Louis,
1979). A teenager alleged that Gacy had picked him up from the street,
pretending to be a police officer. After driving for some time, Gacy
allegedly stopped the car and demanded sexual favors from the youth.
The teenager reportedly fled the car, with Gacy chasing after him.
However, the case never went to trial (Dobbert, 2009; Linedecker, 1986).
The next significant event in Gacy’s descent into violence occurred
around August of 1971. On that day, Gacy, in a fit of rage, struck a P.D.M.
employee over the head with a hammer. There is limited documentation
regarding this incident, and it appears that the victim did not sustain
serious injuries. However, Gacy’s explanation for his sudden burst of
violence is noteworthy: When asked by the employee why he had
attacked him, Gacy responded that he didn't know, but he suddenly felt
an urge to kill the man (Egger, 1998: 108). In 1975, there were reports of
Gacy making advances towards Tony Antonucci, who was sixteen at the
time and a wrestler at his school. Antonucci recounted an incident where
he grabbed a folding chair and used it to intimidate Gacy, causing Gacy to
retreat and attempt to dismiss the situation as a joke. The following
month, Gacy visited Antonucci at his residence, bringing wine,
heterosexual pornographic films, and handcuffs. Allegedly, Gacy
pg. 12 out of 23
challenged Antonucci to unlock the handcuffs, claiming they had a secret
method. When Antonucci found himself handcuffed, Gacy tried to
undress him. Antonucci reported managing to slip one hand out as it
wasn't fully secured in the cuff. He then succeeded in wrestling Gacy to
the ground and retrieving the key (Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Linedecker,
1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). Gacy allegedly informed him, "You're the
initial person to have the handcuffs removed." Following this, Gacy
purportedly refrained from attempting to overpower the youth, despite
Antonucci remaining in his employ for several months afterward.
(Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Linedecker, 1986). On March 21, 1978, John
Wayne Gacy cruised through New Town, Chicago in his black Oldsmobile,
spotting Jeffrey Rignall as a potential victim. Pulling over, he enticed
Rignall with marijuana, offering him a joint to lure him into his car. Once
inside, Gacy wasted no time in incapacitating Rignall with a
chloroform-soaked rag, rendering him unconscious. Finally, after what
seemed like an eternity of suffering, Rignall awoke in Lincoln Park,
disoriented and traumatized, but miraculously alive. In the aftermath,
Rignall bravely reported the heinous crimes to the police, but his inability
to provide detailed information hindered their investigation (Pieterse,
2012). On July 15, 1978, the police finally arrested Gacy on the charge of
battery but refused to file a more serious complaint as the use of
chloroform had rendered Rignall an unreliable witness (Goldberg &
Morrison, 2004; Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983; Seaman &
Wilson, 2007). Before the Rignall incident, another nineteen-year-old guy
told the police that Gacy made him do sexual things against his will. Gacy
admitted they had sex but said it was consensual, and there wasn't any
proof either way (Linedecker, 1986; Moss, 1999). By 1975, Gacy's
marriage to Carol was getting worse. She said he didn't spend enough
time with her and would get furious sometimes. When he got mad, he'd
clench his fists, scream, and even break furniture. Carol also noticed he
didn't sleep much. He'd leave the house late at night and come back early
in the morning, only getting a few hours of sleep. During the day, he'd be
exhausted, often falling asleep on the couch and staring into space
(Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). As
their marriage was ending, Gacy started bringing magazines with naked
men into their home, but he kept them hidden from their daughters. He
confessed to Carol that he preferred boys (Dobbert, 2009; Linedecker,
1986). Things got worse as Gacy became more controlling, locking the
phone so Carol couldn't make calls and locking the office (Linedecker,
1986). The divorce was finalized on March 2, 1976. Despite the
deteriorating relationship, it was said to be friendly, and Gacy even
helped Carol move her furniture and install carpeting in her new home
(Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). They stayed friends, and
Gacy often confided in Carol about his bisexuality (Linedecker, 1986;
Moss, 1999). It's noted that Gacy didn't have any more sexual
relationships with women after divorcing Carol (Moss, 1999). After Carol
moved out, a new slim young woman moved in. Gacy told his friends he
was getting married again, but shortly before the wedding, he kicked her
pg. 13 out of 23
out, citing her untidiness as the reason. Gacy still attended events with
Carol and saw her regularly; they were last seen together on Memorial
Day, 1978 (Linedecker, 1986). Gacy was known for being meticulous and
tidy, preferring everything in its proper place (Goldberg & Morrison, 2004;
Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). As he aged, he felt out of place in the Jaycees,
which he saw as more suitable for younger men. However, he still craved
the camaraderie and validation it offered, leading him to shift his focus
to politics. In Chicago and Cook County, the Democratic Party was deeply
intertwined with the political scene (Dobbert, 2009; Goldberg & Morrison,
2004; Linedecker, 1986). Gacy approached Robert F. Martwick, the
Democratic committee leader of Norwood Township, expressing his
desire to contribute to the community. While Martwick believed Gacy's
ambition to run for public office might be premature, he encouraged him
to become more involved in community activities, suggesting service
projects, which Gacy was familiar with from his time in the Jaycees
(Linedecker, 1986). Gacy's first step in becoming recognized in the
community was through his alter ego, "Pogo the Clown." He crafted
clown costumes, painted a big grin on his face, and began entertaining
children at events sponsored by the Norwood Township Democrats
(Goldberg & Morrison, 2004; Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983;
Vronsky, 2004). Gacy gained recognition as the cheerful clown who
entertained at birthday parties (Hanson, 2002; Landry, 2008). Although
he mentioned performing at children's hospitals, there's no confirmation
of this. Gacy volunteered himself and his young contractor workers to
help maintain the Democratic Party building, impressing Martwick with
his commitment. He became known as a reliable volunteer who could run
errands and make repairs as needed (Linedecker, 1986; Vronsky, 2004).
Gacy was nominated for a position in the Norwood Park Township Street
Lighting District, responsible for maintaining streetlights in
unincorporated areas. This further solidified his reputation as a dedicated
Democrat and local official (Linedecker, 1986). Despite gaining
recognition among male prostitutes in the Uptown area, Gacy still
frequented local bars (Goldberg & Morrison, 2004; Linedecker, 1986). He
would often have a drink with a female cousin or Carol. Despite his
interactions with vivacious women, no one suspected him of being
bisexual. Gacy remained devoted to his family, regularly visiting his
mother and sisters and providing financial assistance when needed. He
was always ready to lend a helping hand to his family (Linedecker, 1986;
Vronsky, 2004). Boschelli recalls the last encounter with Gacy in 1978,
prompted by Gacy's call to reconcile after a past argument. Upon arriving
at Gacy's house, Boschelli noticed a foul smell, which Gacy attributed to a
sewage pipe issue. As they reminisced about their childhood, Gacy
suddenly produced a pair of handcuffs and asked Boschelli to put them
on. Uncomfortable, Boschelli requested water and left when Gacy
became insistent. As he drove off, Gacy emerged from the house,
threatening him. Later that year, Gacy's dark deeds came to light when
he was arrested for the murders of numerous young men and boys
(Boschelli, 2008). Gacy took legal action against the city of Des Plaines,
pg. 14 out of 23
claiming harassment, and sought an injunction to stop all investigations
(Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). He aimed to receive
compensation for "mental anguish, loss of reputation in the community,
deprivation of liberty, and loss of personal property" (Linedecker, 1986, p.
165). Gacy's behavior toward the officers following him varied from
friendly to hostile; sometimes, he invited them in for coffee, while other
times, he photographed them and engaged in car chases to evade them
(Goldberg & Morrison, 2004; Linedecker, 1986). On one occasion, he
invited the investigative officers who were on surveillance for a meal. In a
conversation with the officers, he informed them about his role as a
clown and the tricks he performed (Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). He went
on to query why they were following him, admitting to abusing drugs at
times but denying any other criminal activity. Gacy drove home where he
informed his neighbors that the police were trying to ‘pin a murder rap’
on him. Gacy traveled to Czarna’s home where he asked for a drink and
informed his friend that “the end is near”, he walked outside, turned
around, and confessed to his friend “I killed thirty people, give or take a
few”. When Czarna questioned him about the victims he replied that they
had been “bad people, they were blackmailing me. They were bad
people” (Linedecker, 1986, p. 169). Following this incident, Gacy became
emotional, leaving his friend in confusion and heading to the home of a
young man who had previously worked and lived with him. He asked the
young man to drive him to his father's grave at Maryhill Cemetery and to
inform the officer who was following him. When the young man spoke to
the police, he revealed that Gacy had confessed to over thirty murders to
his lawyers and expressed concern that Gacy might harm him or himself
(Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983). In December 1978,
authorities discovered twenty-eight bodies on Gacy's property, buried
under the garage and in the crawl space of the house. All the victims
were males aged nine to twenty (Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Linedecker, 1986;
Seaman & Wilson, 2007; Taylor, 2003; Vronsky, 2004). Gacy confessed to
the murders of "at least thirty people," revealing that he used his guise
as a clown to entice youths by promising to show them a trick. Once he
had them handcuffed, he would sexually assault them and coerce them
into engaging in homosexual acts (Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan,
1983; SAC, St. Louis, 1979). This sinister use of his "Pogo the Clown"
persona earned him the moniker "The Killer Clown" (Dobbert, 2009;
Vronsky, 2004). He admitted to killing them by strangling them with
either a rope or a board pressed against their throats, disposing of their
bodies in the crawl space beneath his house, with one victim buried
beneath his garage (Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983; Taylor,
2003). On December 24th and 25th, the search was halted, and guards
were stationed around the clock to protect the evidence. When
excavation resumed, the body count rose (Linedecker, 1986). On
December 26th, ten bodies were recovered from the crawl space,
followed by another six on the 27th. Three bodies were found together in
one common grave, while another two were in a separate one, leading to
speculation that the victims had been buried together. Gacy admitted in
pg. 15 out of 23
his confessions that he sometimes killed two people in one night,
referring to these instances as "doubles" (Linedecker, 1986; Maiken &
Sullivan, 1983). All of Gacy's victims shared similar features, resembling
the employee who had accused him of sodomy in May 1968, leading to
his initial prison sentence (Goldberg & Morrison, 2004; Moss, 1999). Gacy
recounted engaging in paid sexual encounters with young men, often
going out for such activities after 10 pm. He expressed anger when
propositioned himself, insisting on being the one to make all
propositions and always maintaining dominance (Maiken & Sullivan,
1983). He openly admitted to enjoying being the aggressor, asserting
control over his sexual partners as his "slave in bed" (Moss, 1999).
Despite his gruesome activities, Gacy appeared organized, keeping small
mementos of his victims hidden away while maintaining a normal social
facade, including being married, which concealed his double life (LaBrode,
2007; Understanding the Disorganized/Organized Typology, 2010;
Vronsky, 2004). On March 13, 1980, Gacy was convicted of committing
more murders than anyone else in American history (Bardsley & Bell,
2008; Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983; Taylor, 2003). Despite
his convictions, Gacy remained unbroken, even going as far as winking at
the deputy sheriff as he was led out of the courtroom after the
proceedings (Maiken & Sullivan, 1983).
v.
Middle Adulthood Development (40-65)
▪ Physical Development
In 1994, Gacy was executed through lethal injection despite his ‘stay
appeal’. (Clarke, 1994).
▪ Cognitive Development
While on Illinois' Death Row for the atrocities he committed, Gacy
produced over 2,000 paintings. One of the pieces he created was a
self-portrait of himself, dressed as Pogo the Clown, a persona he
adopted during his working days at children's parties. It was also
reported that during those days he met some of his victims. When
questioned by a reporter about the purpose of his artwork, Gacy stated
that it intended to "bring joy to people's lives" (Gurian, 2016). However,
his passion for making paintings ended because of his execution through
lethal injection (Crime Museum, LLC, 2017).
▪ Psychosocial Development
On the day of his execution, Gacy was allowed to have a private picnic
on prison grounds with his family. He ordered fries, a bucket of chicken,
strawberries, fried shrimp, and a diet coke for his last meal. He spent the
evening praying with a Catholic priest before being led to the execution
room at Stateville, where he was waiting to be fatally injected (Coetsee &
Fouché, 2017).
II.
CASE CONCEPTUALIZATION
This chapter presents the theories that could best explain John Wayne Gacy’s behavior and
developmental trajectory.
pg. 16 out of 23
a. Theoretical Framework for Physical Development
● Bioecological Systems Theory
The bioecological theory represents a model where it emphasizes the
role of environmental contexts on human development. The model
encompasses the multiple environments (i.e. microsystem, mesosystem,
exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem) in which a person interacts.
This theory explains how human and environmental interactions might
contribute to an individual's biopsychological differences (Bronfenbrenner &
Morris, 2007).
In John Wayen Gacy’s case, the bioecological model presents an
opportunity to examine the potential influences of environmental contexts
that may have impacted his physique. Specifically, factors such as family
dynamics, health, and socioeconomic status may have played a role in the
development of his physical appearance. While some sources suggest that
Gacy may have had a heart condition since childhood, his middle-class
background may have limited his access to adequate medical care,
potentially contributing to his weight gain. Moreover, Gacy's lack of
participation in sports activities may have further compounded this issue,
highlighting the potential impact of socioeconomic factors on physical
health outcomes (Pieterse, 2012). Furthermore, several sources said that he
has experienced verbal, physical, and emotional abuse from his father
(Robertson, 2004; Dobbert, 2009; McEvoy, 2023). Thus, his relationship with
his father may have adversely affected his attitude towards his physical
well-being and body image. Therefore, Gacy's interaction with his
environment may have a great impact on his physical development.
b. Theoretical Framework for Cognitive Development
● Social Learning Theory
The Social learning theory of Albert Bandura (1977) asserts that an
individual learns behavior by observing and imitating how other people
behave (Cherry, 2022). Furthermore, This theory implies the importance of
observational learning, in which a person gains knowledge, skills, attitudes,
and beliefs by seeing how other people behave and the outcomes that arise
from their actions (Mcleod, 2024).
John Wayne Gacy may have acquired his tendency to abuse other
people because of his experience with his father. It’s as if the abused
become the abuser. According to Dr. Richard Rappaport (2020), a chief
psychiatrist for John Wayne Gacy’s defense, the relationship between him
and his father have similarities with the relationship he had with his victims.
Gacy buries his victims in the crawl space beneath his home, a place in his
house that resembles the basement where he was physically abused by his
father. Dr. Rappaport added that it seemed as though Gacy was recreating
his childhood experiences, forcing his victims to play the role of him, being a
helpless child while he played the role of his father (Janos, 2023). Moreover,
his experiences during his childhood may have also contributed to how he
sexually abused his victims before killing them. He was molested by an older
girl in their neighborhood who led him into the tall grass where she caressed
his genitals. Gacy was also sexually assaulted by a contractor who told him
pg. 17 out of 23
that they would visit his workplace but was actually a way to lure him and
keep him quiet with an ice cream. The trickery he experienced from his
perpetrators can also be seen in his method of murdering. Sources said that
he entices his victims by promising work opportunities or showing magic
tricks to make them go to his home. When he successfully lures his victims,
he sexually abuses and tortures them (Menezes, 2024).
c. Theoretical Framework for Psychosocial Development
● Psychosocial Theory
Erikson’s (1963) psychosocial theory states that an individual
experiences eight developmental stages from infancy to late adulthood, each
requiring him to confront and resolve a major psycho-social issue or crisis.
These issues or crises, if unsatisfactorily resolved, will continue to negatively
impact later development in life. In accordance with the theory, successful
completion of each stage leads to the acquisition of virtues (Mcleod, 2024).
On the contrary, failure to resolve the crises in each stage can result in a
decreased capacity to complete the following stages, which can lead to
outcomes like mistrust, shame/doubt, guilt, inferiority, confusion, isolation,
stagnation, and despair resulting a more dysfunctional personality and sense
of self (Mcleod, 2024).
In consideration of John Wayne Gacy's psychosocial development, his
identity may have been strongly influenced by deficiencies in different
psychosocial stages. Gacy's dysfunctional relationship with his father may
have contributed significantly to his psychosocial development. Gacy's
father was accused of physically and verbally abusing his entire family at an
early age, with Gacy suffering the most (Pieterse, 2012). His father's
humiliation, taunts, and disapproval of him (McEvoy, 2023) may have caused
him to lose self-esteem and doubt his ability as a person, leading to feelings
of inferiority. It was believed later in his life that Gacy had victimized young
boys (Bardsley & Bell, 2008; Linedecker, 1986; Maiken & Sullivan, 1983; Moss,
1999), possibly as a means of asserting his dominance and disguising his
inferiority. Pieterse (2012) added that a youngster who experiences too
much shame may acquire a concealed determination of defiance or even a
shamelessness of defiance. It's possible that Gacy's humiliating experience
of having to wear his mother's underwear as a form of punishment when he
was discovered taking it was too much to bear, prompting him to commit
acts of violence and obscene behaviors that defied social standards.
Additionally,
III.
SUMMARY
The information gathered about John Wayne Gacy suggests that he had a poor
upbringing, marked by experiences of physical and sexual abuse during his childhood.
These experiences may have had a significant impact on his development. Furthermore,
his environment is also thought to have played a role in shaping him. Various theories
have been employed to analyze and understand his development.
pg. 18 out of 23
The bioecological systems theory suggests that Gacy's physical development may have
been influenced by environmental factors such as family dynamics, health, and
socioeconomic status. His middle-class background might have limited access to
adequate medical care, potentially contributing to his weight gain and lack of physical
activity. Furthermore, in terms of cognitive development, the social learning theory
offers insight. His abusive relationship with his father and the sexual abuse he
experienced during his childhood might have influenced his way of treating his victims.
Moreover, Erikson's psychosocial theory implies that Gacy's criminal behavior may have
been attributed to his unresolved issues across developmental stages, particularly
concerning identity and morality. His professed love for his abusive father and confusion
about his sexuality, coupled with a lack of moral consciousness, reflect deficiencies in
navigating Erikson's stages, particularly initiative versus guilt.
Gacy's case demonstrates the interplay between an individual's psychological makeup
and societal influences. His behaviors were not solely driven by personal struggles but
also reflected broader cultural and social dynamics. The contrast between the
commonly held positive perception of clowns and Gacy's criminal actions highlights the
intersection of individual identity and societal norms. Recognizing the nature of Gacy's
behaviors emphasizes the significance of considering both internal psychological
factors and external sociocultural influences when analyzing complex behaviors.
Furthermore, it also emphasizes how the impact of early life experiences significantly
contributes in understanding an individual's later behavior.
IV.
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John
Wayne
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https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/21201/barry-boschelli-talks-growing-up-with
-evil-john-wayne-gacy/
Bronfenbrenner, U., & Morris, P. A. (2007). The bioecological model of human development.
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Buckholtz, J. W., & Kiehl, K. A. (2010). Inside the mind of a psychopath. Scientific America,
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homicidal behavior: An integrated approach. Journal of Criminology and Criminal
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(2022).
How social learning theory works. Verywell Mind.
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Childhood Trauma [MA Thesis]. Queensland University of Technology.
Clarke, K. (1994). Waiting for Gacy. Chicago, IL: U.S Catholic.
Coetsee, E. E. (2017). John Wayne Gacy: A psychobiography of the clown killer (PhD
dissertation,
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Dobbert, D. L. (2009). Psychopathy, perversion and lust homicide: Recognising the mental
disorders that power serial killers. Santa Barabara, CA: Praeger.
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River, NJ, USA, 2003
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Goldberg , H., & Morrison, H. (2004). My life among the serial killers. New York, NY: John
Wiley & Sons
Hanson, C. (2002, July). Chameleon man meets ticking time bomb. Voices reporting.
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The Functioning of the Insanity Defense at the Limits of the Criminal Law. 86(4),
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Janos, A. (2023). John Wayne Gacy’s childhood: “Killer Clown” Serial killer Was Victim of
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pg. 21 out of 23
APPENDICES
a. Informed Consent
Purpose:
The purpose of this research is to collect relevant information from the participant and to
observe and document the various developmental changes that they have experienced.
Moreover, this study will help to identify new evidence that has not been previously
discovered, thereby contributing to the existing knowledge in the field.
Nature of Participation:
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary, and participants have the right to withdraw
at any time without any consequences. If participants decide to withdraw, any data
collected up to that point will be discarded and not used in the study.
Duration:
This case study has a duration of 4 months which consists of Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday face-to-face interviews for 3 hours each day.
Possible Risks:
The researchers will take measures to ensure that you will not be put in harmful physical
risks. However, there is a possibility that you might find some of the questions insensitive
or uncomfortable, and may trigger unwanted thoughts and emotions. Please understand
that you have the right to decline to answer these questions and withdraw from your
participation in this study. Moreover, if you will experience adverse effects as a result of
your participation in this study, please contact the researchers through the contact
information that will be given.
Possible Benefits:
Participating in the study can help the participants understand their situation better. It
might offer insights that could improve their life. By sharing their experiences, they might
help others that are facing similar challenges. The participants will also receive extra
support or resources that could make things easier for them and receive monetary reward
for their participation.
Anonymity and Confidentiality:
Your answers will be strictly kept confidential in compliance with the provisions of Data
Privacy Act of 2012. Your information will only be accessible by the researchers, which will
be used solely for academic purposes to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the
field of developmental psychology. Any information that could reveal your identity will be
promptly discarded after the completion of the study.
Information Storage:
The researcher will take all the necessary measures to ensure that the information is
protected and secured from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. The digital copy will be
saved in an encrypted flash drive and will be stored in a locked cabinet along with the
physical copies. The key to this cabinet will only be accessible to authorized researchers.
Rest assured that all the information will be securely destroyed upon the completion of the
study.
pg. 22 out of 23
Contact:
If you have further questions or concerns about the study, or if you have experience
discomfort or any adverse effects as a result of your participation in this study, please
contact the researchers using the contact information provided below:
Carpio, Carobin B.
Researcher
●
Bachelor of Science in Psychology-1
●
Phone Number: 09630994115
●
Email Address: carobin.carpio@carsu .edu.ph
●
Consigna, Jerian Gel
Researcher
●
Bachelor of Science in Psychology-1
●
Phone Number: 09703942503
●
Email Address: jeriangel.consigna@carsu .edu.ph
●
Pereyra, Julie Anne S.
Researcher
●
Bachelor of Science in Psychology-1
●
Phone Number: 09302322926
●
Email Address: julieanne.pereyra@carsu.edu.ph
●
Plaza, Mary Grace C.
Researcher
●
Bachelor of Science in Psychology-1
●
Phone Number: 09855819013
●
Email Address: marygrace.plaza@carsu.edu.ph
●
Consent Statements:
I give my full consent to participate in this study given that I have read and understood the
information provided regarding the study including the purpose of the study, duration,
possible risks and benefits, anonymity and confidentiality, and how the information will be
stored. I acknowledge that my involvement in this study is voluntary, and that I could
withdraw at any time.
YES, I agree to participate in this
study.
I hereby agree to voluntarily participate in this study.
Participant's Signature
Date
I hereby disagree to participate in this study.
pg. 23 out of 23
NO, I do not agree to participate in
this study.
Participant's Signature
Date
pg. 24 out of 23