Citation

Nanayakkara V, Ogloff JRP, Davis MR, McEwan TE. J. Forensic Psychiatry Psychol. 2020; 31(2): 273-291.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/14789949.2020.1720266

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The literature examining gender differences in the aetiology and course of firesetting is limited. This study used a sample of 32 female firesetters and 64 male firesetter-controls, matched for age, to explore (dis)similarities across 45 variables. Multidimensional scaling and Chi-square tests showed that most female firesetting fit within a 'Dysregulated Type', wherein the firesetting arose in the context of personality disorder, most likely borderline personality disorder, self-harm, and mood dysregulation, and was associated with the motive to relieve or express frustration. Conversely, firesetting for revenge in the context of intimate partner violence, and firesetting to illegally profit financially, was indicated as more attributable to male firesetters. Increased psychopathology and the self-regulating function of firesetting among women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder were highlighted. The implications for formulating female firesetting were also discussed. © 2020, © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Language: en

Keywords

gender differences; adult; Australia; human; suicide; female; male; sex difference; psychosis; mood disorder; motivation; major clinical study; controlled study; personality disorder; automutilation; priority journal; self concept; coping behavior; borderline state; arson; case control study; pyromania; frustration; partner violence; Article; Firesetting; female firesetters