Citation

Wilpert J, van Horn J, Eisenberg M. Int. J. Offender Ther. Comp. Criminol. 2015; 61(12): 1354-1368.

Affiliation

De Forensische Zorgspecialisten [The Forensic Care Specialists], Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0306624X15619165

PMID

26721901

Abstract

Arsonists are considered a type of violent offender by some and a distinct group of offenders by others. Assuming the latter could be beneficial to offer tailor-made psychotherapeutic treatment to these offenders. The present study investigated whether arsonists (n = 55) and violent offenders (n = 41) are differentiable regarding several demographic and personal characteristics, and criminal career.

RESULTS indicated that arsonists were significantly more often diagnosed with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Axis II disorder, and more socially isolated and lacking coping skills. Violent offenders, on the other hand, demonstrated more drug abuse/dependence, a younger age at the first manifestation of antisocial behavior, a more extensive criminal history and higher percentage of recidivism. In light of these results, it is conceivable that arsonists could benefit from a slightly different treatment approach, for example, with more attention to relational and emotion regulation skills.

Language: en