Gender differences amongst adult arsonists at psychiatric assessment.
Reports of gender differences amongst arsonists at psychiatric assessment are not uncommon, however some are based on relatively small samples. A new retrospective study highlighting gender differences could help to confirm or refute the current state of knowledge. The aim of the current study was to examine gender differences amongst a sample of 167 adult arsonists (129 males and 38 females). Information was collected from clinical records on sociodemographic, family background and childhood factors; adult adjustment; fire setting history; motives; features of pyromania and other offending, from the case notes of a group of arsonists referred to the West Midlands Psychiatry Service over a 24-year period. Female arsonists were older than males and more likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis. Women more frequently had a history of sexual abuse, while men had a more varied criminal background and more substance abuse problems. Our findings largely support previous research, and are discussed in this context, whilst also bringing attention to a more recently developed theory (Action System Model). Significant gender differences amongst arsonists indicates that different emphases in the treatment of male and female arsonists may be advisable, though a reliable evidence base for treatment has yet to be established.
Dickens
Geoff
G
St Andrew's Healthcare, St Andrew's Hospital, Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5DG. gdickens@standrew.co.uk
Sugarman
Philip
P
Ahmad
Farooq
F
Edgar
Simon
S
Hofberg
Kristina
K
Tewari
Sidharta
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005391:Firesetting Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D006113:United Kingdom