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Subtypes of firesetters.
Lydia Dalhuisen1,2, Frans Koenraadt1,2,3, Marieke Liem4
1Willem Pompe Institute for Criminal Law and Criminology - Department of Law, Economics and Governance, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health : CBMH
|November 26, 2015
Summary
This study partially validates the multi-trajectory theory of adult firesetting (M-TTAF) by identifying five distinct subtypes of firesetters. These classifications can aid in understanding offender characteristics and developing targeted treatments.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Traditional motive-based classifications of firesetters exist.
- The multi-trajectory theory of adult firesetting (M-TTAF) proposes five etiological pathways: antisocial cognition, grievance, fire interest, emotional expression/need for recognition, and multifaceted trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the five proposed firesetting trajectories within the M-TTAF.
- To empirically test the M-TTAF's etiological framework for adult firesetting.
Main Methods:
- A cluster analysis was performed on data from 389 adult firesetters.
- Firesetters were assessed between 1950 and 2012 at a Dutch forensic mental health clinic.
- Variables aligned with the M-TTAF were used for classification.
Main Results:
- A reliable five-cluster solution emerged, identifying subtypes: instrumental, reward, multi-problem, disturbed relationship, and disordered firesetters.
- Significant differences were found in offender and offense characteristics across the identified subtypes.
- The cluster analysis provided partial empirical support for the M-TTAF's hypothesized trajectories.
Conclusions:
- The five-cluster solution partially validates the M-TTAF, suggesting its utility for classifying firesetters, with or without mental disorders.
- Further validation with larger, diverse samples is recommended to refine the M-TTAF.
- The M-TTAF framework may guide the development of evidence-based interventions for firesetters.