Citation

Dalhuisen L, Koenraadt F, Liem M. Crim. Behav. Ment. Health 2015; 27(1): 59-75.

Affiliation

Violence Research Initiative - Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/cbm.1984

PMID

26602887

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prior research has classified firesetters by motive. The multi-trajectory theory of adult firesetting (M-TTAF) takes a more aetiological perspective, differentiating between five hypothesised trajectories towards firesetting: antisocial cognition, grievance, fire interest, emotionally expressive/need for recognition and multifaceted trajectories.

AIM: The objective of this study was to validate the five routes to firesetting as proposed in the M-TTAF.

METHODS: All 389 adult firesetters referred for forensic mental health assessment to one central clinic in the Netherlands between 1950 and 2012 were rated on variables linked to the M-TTAF. Cluster analysis was then applied.

RESULTS: A reliable cluster solution emerged revealing five subtypes of firesetters - labelled instrumental, reward, multi-problem, disturbed relationship and disordered. Significant differences were observed regarding both offender and offence characteristics.

DISCUSSION: Our five-cluster solution with five subtypes of firesetters partially validates the proposed M-TTAF trajectories and suggests that for offenders with and without mental disorder, this classification may be useful. If further validated with larger and more diverse samples, the M-TTAF could provide guidance on staging evidence-based treatment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Language: en