A Psychosocial Approach to Arson — A Case Controlled Study of Female Offenders

Few studies of arsonists have focused specifically on females, many of whom have historically avoided prosecution. This study examines demographic details, psychopathology and personality characteristics of female arsonists and violent offenders in custody and compares them with an age matched group of comparison females. A significantly greater number of arsonists admitted to a history of deliberate self-harm and to sexual abuse as a child. The results emphasize the degree of psychosocial disadvantage in female arsonists and fit the model of displaced aggression in that female arsonists in this study are found to be less assertive and may displace their aggression onto property due to their inability to confront people directly. This channelling of aggression may be seen as an attempt to influence their environment and improve their self-esteem where other means have failed. Many of the findings match those of a previous study of male Special Hospital arsonists and indicate the need for larger studies within prison and hospital settings. Based on the potential areas for clinical intervention, prospective treatment studies of arsonists offer exciting implications in terms of risk management and may begin to address the needs of this severely disadvantaged group.