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Female Firesetters: Gender Associated Psychological and Psychopathological Features

Alleyne, Emma, Gannon, Theresa A., Mozova, Katarina, Page, Thomas, E., Ó Ciardha, Caoilte (2016) Female Firesetters: Gender Associated Psychological and Psychopathological Features. Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes, 79 (4). pp. 364-378. ISSN 0033-2747. (doi:10.1080/00332747.2016.1185892) (KAR id:54993)

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Abstract

Objective: Female firesetters are reported to commit nearly a third of deliberately set fires, yet there are limited studies examining the characteristics that distinguish them from suitable comparison groups. The aim of this study is to compare incarcerated female firesetters with incarcerated male firesetters and female offender controls on psychopathological and psychological features that could be targeted via therapeutic interventions.

Method: Sixty-five female firesetters, 128 male firesetters, and 63 female offenders were recruited from the prison estate. Participants completed a battery of validated tools assessing psychiatric traits and psychological characteristics (i.e., inappropriate fire interest, emotion/self-regulation, social competence, self-concept, offense-supportive attitudes, and boredom proneness) highlighted in the existing literature.

Results: Major depression and an internal locus of control distinguished female firesetters from male firesetters. Alcohol dependence, serious/problematic fire interest, and more effective anger regulation distinguished female firesetters from the female offender control group.

Conclusions: This is the first study to examine differences between female firesetters, male firesetters, and female control offenders on both psychopathological features and psychological traits. These findings highlight the gender-specific and offence-specific needs of female firesetters that clinicians need to consider when implementing programs that ensure client responsivity.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/00332747.2016.1185892
Uncontrolled keywords: firesetting, arson, psychopathology, female offenders
Subjects: H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Funders: Economic and Social Research Council (https://ror.org/03n0ht308)
Depositing User: Theresa Gannon
Date Deposited: 15 Apr 2016 10:22 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 16:24 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/54993 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Alleyne, Emma.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4335-7176
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Gannon, Theresa A..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5810-4158
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Mozova, Katarina.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Page, Thomas, E..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Ó Ciardha, Caoilte.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5383-8403
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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