title: Arsonists and Violent Offenders Compared: Two Peas in a Pod?
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.
authors.affiliation: 1 De Forensische Zorgspecialisten [The Forensic Care Specialists], Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wilpert
authors.affiliation: 1 De Forensische Zorgspecialisten [The Forensic Care Specialists], Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van Horn
authors.affiliation: 1 De Forensische Zorgspecialisten [The Forensic Care Specialists], Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mara
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eisenberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005391:Firesetting Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: arson; recidivism; treatment needs; violence