Mentally disordered firesetters

Research on firesetters suggests that the majority are mentally disordered. Schizophrenics are slightly over-represented but most arsonists are characterised by abnormal personalities. While motives for firesetting are usually mixed, anger and revenge are the commonest. Arsonists tend to be underassertive individuals with poor interpersonal skills who are unable to deal effectively with conflict, anger and frustration. This perhaps explains their choice of fire as a weapon.