Subtypes of firesetters

The objective of this study was to validate the five routes to firesetting as proposed in the M‐TTAF. MethodsAll 389 adult firesetters referred for forensic mental health assessment to one central clinic in the Netherlands between 1950 and 2012 were rated on variables linked to the M‐TTAF. Cluster analysis was then applied. ResultsA reliable cluster solution emerged revealing five subtypes of firesetters – labelled instrumental, reward, multi‐problem, disturbed relationship and disordered. Significant differences were observed regarding both offender and offence characteristics. DiscussionOur five‐cluster solution with five subtypes of firesetters partially validates the proposed M‐TTAF trajectories and suggests that for offenders with and without mental disorder, this classification may be useful. If further validated with larger and more diverse samples, the M‐TTAF could provide guidance on staging evidence‐based treatment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Source: Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health - Category: Criminology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research