Psychologist explains Kendra Licari crimes and fixes Unknown Number’s biggest mistake

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A duly qualified psychologist offers insights on the TV series episode titled “The High School Catfish,” focusing on Kendra Licari‘s reasons, and correcting an oversight made in the Netflix documentary. Please be advised that some viewers might find this subject matter upsetting.

In October 2020, a chilling true crime case unfolded in Beal City, Michigan, where a 13-year-old girl named Lauryn Licari and her then-boyfriend, Owen McKenney, found themselves victims of an anonymous cyberstalker.

Instead of merely a handful of messages, there were frequently thousands per day, often reaching as much as thirty times daily. These messages encompassed a wide range of offensive remarks about Lauryn’s physical appearance, sexually suggestive comments, and even distressing suggestions of self-harm.

Law enforcement ultimately involved the FBI, leading them to a sole suspect: Kendra Licari, Lauryn’s mother. The most intriguing aspect of this true crime story remains the motive behind Kendra’s actions. Now, insights from a psychologist offer a more defined explanation.

Psychologist gives crucial context to Unknown Number: The High School Catfish

In simpler terms, Dr. McKayla, a licensed psychologist, posted a TikTok video stating that Kendra Licari’s behavior wasn’t due to stress or impulsiveness, but rather a persistent strategy of control stemming from narcissistic tendencies.

In addition to her critique, it’s worth noting that she identifies a significant issue with the documentary – the lack of a psychologist contributing to the context. Many viewers commenting on Unknown Number expressed concern about this omission, particularly since the documentary features Kendra herself.

One individual criticized that the lack of a psychologist’s viewpoint in the documentary, at certain points, was both harmful and negligent.” Furthermore, “they were found to be inadequate in presenting an alternate psychological analysis to challenge the mother’s questionable reasoning behind her actions.

Another individual concurred, stating that ‘they never challenged her once’ during certain parts of the documentary. It seemed as though they were providing her with a compassionate portrayal.

As I ponder over my gaming alter-ego’s recent actions that have left the Beal City gaming community buzzing, I can’t help but wonder about my motivations. Some suspect it might be an unusual blend of a digital game version of Munchausen’s by proxy syndrome – a term thrown around by the former superintendent, Bill Chillman. It’s all a puzzling mystery that keeps me intrigued and eager to understand myself better in this virtual world.

In response to the agreement expressed by Melissa Perry, Kendra’s cousin, it is worth noting that Dr. McKayla unintentionally highlights the potential improvements the film could have received from expert input, as she points out that the scenario in question is significantly more intricate.

As an engaged observer, I can attest to the authenticity of Munchausen Syndrome. Kendra’s actions, in particular, serve as a striking demonstration. This condition is characterized by individuals who create or exaggerate symptoms of illness, peril, or crisis online with the aim of garnering attention, empathy, or control.

It’s not uncommon to encounter situations similar to these – false tales of cancer, simulated kidnappings, or fabricated medical histories about children, invented by the parents.

In Kendra’s situation, it’s not merely Munchausen by internet; rather, her behavior can be attributed to a complex behavioral pattern that is an extension of a narcissistic personality trait.

As a virtual world conqueror, I’ve come to realize that my go-to tactics, much like Munchausen, are all about grabbing the spotlight and bending reality to suit my needs. But beyond this gamey facade, there’s a deeper issue at play – an insatiable craving for control, adoration, and dominance over others that stems from a narcissistic core.

Dr. McKayla clarifies the significance of this differentiation, stating that Kendra may employ the Munchausen syndrome tag to conceal her actions. This misrepresentation might lead viewers to perceive her as unwell instead of deviously manipulative.

She explains that personality disorders, such as Munchausen’s, can go undetected because people tend to feel sympathy towards the individual instead of recognizing the manipulative aspect rooted in underlying narcissism.

Here, we find a blend of factors, with two primary aspects coming into play – one being more subtle and potentially troubling, such as hints of sexual innuendo directed towards minors. It’s important to note that many messages exchanged between Kendra, her daughter, and Owen contained sexually explicit content.

According to Owen McKenney and his mother, Jill McKenney, Kendra appeared to have an intense fixation on Owen, a point that Dr. McKayla also brings up. In simpler terms, they suggest that while it’s challenging to categorize her actions definitively, Kendra’s behavior showed distinct signs of predatory tendencies.

As a fervent observer, I can’t help but notice how she seamlessly maneuvered herself into Lauren’s personal life. Her act of slicing Owen’s steak and showering him with extra attention feels deliberate, almost as if it’s an intentional breach of boundaries. It’s a strategy that exudes calculated moves, in my opinion.

As a dedicated gamer, let me share an insight: That’s exactly what manipulation, or ‘grooming’, can resemble. It’s a subtle encroachment on boundaries, leaving you feeling uneasy yet uncertain of the reason. It’s about testing power and control, attempting to steer situations in their favor, but always under the guise of something seemingly harmless.

It appears that the situation wasn’t merely about dominating Lauren; rather, it was demonstrating power to manipulate the entire scenario, sometimes even by transgressing moral boundaries. This is what gives this case a deeper, more ominous tone than simple bullying or emotional torment.

Previously in the video, Dr. McKayla underscores that the subject we’re discussing is not simply a “stressed mom” or someone “making poor decisions,” but rather an individual grappling with a profound desire for control.

Lauryn was frequently made to feel like an integral part of her mother’s personal identity, a characteristic often seen in narcissistic parents.

She emphasized that it revolved more around power and personal glory, rather than affection. This was a conscious choice, she explains, as she aimed to manage the plotline and the discourse, thus maintaining her superiority.

Lauryn’s pain made her fearful and reliant, making it simpler to control her. Thus, it wasn’t an accident; instead, it was a form of mistreatment masked as concern.

Why Lauryn Licari wanted to reconcile with Kendra

Dr. McKayla later elaborates on a point that often puzzles those not directly involved, following the viewing of Unknown Number: The High School Catfish – the reason behind Lauryn’s decision to reignite contact with her mother.

Children often find themselves maintaining a connection with their parents, even in harmful environments, due to a strong biological instinct for self-preservation that underlies this attachment. The psychologist suggested that kids are hardwired to safeguard their relationship with their parents, regardless of the situation’s nature.

Lauren isn’t being weak by seeking reconciliation; rather, she’s clinging onto a familiar and secure version of her mother. It’s less painful to believe ‘she’s ill but still loves me’ compared to acknowledging that her parent may pose a threat… This isn’t denial, it’s essentially a survival mechanism.

It’s important to mention that Lauryn was merely 13 years old when the events started, and it has taken her some time to fully process and understand what transpired.

In an interview with Tudum, Skye Borgman, the director of the Netflix documentary, shared that over time, Lauryn’s view of her mother evolved significantly, largely due to her strong bond with her father, Shawn Licari.

During the spring of 2023, our initial meeting with Lauryn took place… At that moment, Lauryn deeply cherished her mother and yearned for their reunion, as the filmmaker shared.

In their second meeting the following year, Lauryn expressed a desire to proceed with the relationship more carefully, as she had taken the time to reflect on her feelings.

Dr. McKayla thinks that therapy could be beneficial for both Lauryn and Owen, explaining that it’s not only about dealing with pain but also about regaining trust in themselves, their intuition, and the security of relationships, enabling them to live beyond the influence of their past experiences.

Title Unknown: Currently, The High School Catfish is available for streaming on Netflix. For further updates on true crime incidents, explore details about whether the Jussie Smollett case was a fabrication, Amanda Knox’s prison ordeal, and the current whereabouts of the Tinder Swindler.

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2025-09-09 14:51