Adult firesetters : prevalence, characteristics and psychopathology

This chapter critically explores the current evidence base on the prevalence of firesetting behaviour and examines these new findings in the light of previous research on arson and firesetting among more highly selected offending and clinical populations. The key questions addressed relate first to the credibility of this new evidence, and the extent to which it supports the current knowledge base about the correlates, characteristics and psychopathology of arsonists and firesetters. Second, the chapter synthesises the current knowledge of the characteristics of those who deliberately set fires, and addresses the sociodemographic factors, psychopathological features, co-offending behaviours and developmental characteristics associated with deliberate firesetting. The chapter provides practitioners with state-of-the-art information on which to base clinical decision-making in this difficult and sometimes misunderstood area, and highlights gaps in knowledge, where future research is needed.