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Introduction
This paper discusses the implementation and evaluation of group and individual arson treatment programmes over eight years at the UK’s National Women’s Service (NWS).
The term firesetting (vs arson) is mostly used throughout the paper as it embraces a wider range of people who deliberately set fires. “Arson” defines the specific criminal act of intentionally or recklessly setting fire to property or wildland areas (Dickens and Sugarman, 2012). A firesetter “displays a behavioural phenotype, the deliberate setting of fires, which may not have been prosecuted, for a number of reasons” (Dickens and Sugarman, 2012).
Overview of theories of firesetting
Early theories of firesetting included social learning theory (Gannon et al., 2012a); Jackson’s functional analysis model: firesetting as the only viable option (Jackson et al., 1987; Jackson, 1994); and Fineman’s (1995) dynamic behavioural theory. Social learning theorists view firesetting as the product of learning principles and a form of learnt hostility/aggression. For example, firesetting can be instantly reinforcing through the sensory excitement, the sirens, crowd and noise associated with the fire (Vreeland and Levin, 1980). Jackson et al. (1987) developed the first multifactorial theory of firesetting which postulates that the behaviour is likely to be repeated when the antecedents and consequences of arson are such that certain criteria are met. Key antecedents are psychosocial disadvantage, dissatisfaction with life and self, social ineffectiveness, specific psychosocial stimuli and a triggering stimulus. Clinicians have endorsed this theory but it lacks explanatory depth, such as its failure to explain why some individuals who experience psychosocial disadvantage do not engage in firesetting (Gannon and Pina, 2010). Fineman’s (1995) model similarly views firesetting as a product of historical factors that predispose to antisocial behaviour in general; historical environmental factors that have legitimised firesetting; and immediate environment conditions that encourage firesetting. Whilst containing strengths this theory leans more towards juvenile firesetters than adult firesetters.
Addressing their concerns regarding earlier theories, Gannon et al. (2012a) developed the multi-trajectory theory of adult firesetting (M-TTAF). This theory positively organises research into hypothesised dynamic risk factors or vulnerabilities associated with the facilitation and maintenance of firesetting behaviour; combines distal (background characteristics) and proximal factors (represent an immediate vulnerability) as contributors to firesetting; identifies key factors associated with repeated firesetting and firesetting desistence; and...