Skip to main content
Kent Academic Repository

Multiple factors in the assessment of firesetters' fire interest and attitudes

Ó Ciardha, Caoilte, Barnoux, Magali F.L., Alleyne, Emma, Tyler, Nichola, Mozova, Katarina, Gannon, Theresa A. (2014) Multiple factors in the assessment of firesetters' fire interest and attitudes. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 20 (1). pp. 37-47. ISSN 1355-3259. (doi:10.1111/lcrp.12065) (KAR id:41546)

PDF (Post Print (proofs)) Author's Accepted Manuscript
Language: English
Download this file
(PDF/276kB)
[thumbnail of Post Print (proofs)]
Preview
Request a format suitable for use with assistive technology e.g. a screenreader
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/lcrp.12065

Abstract

Purpose: The number of measures available to practitioners to assess fire interest and other fire-related attitudes is limited. To help establish the utility of such measures, this study explored whether three fire measures contained multiple factors and whether such factors related to firesetting behaviour. Method: The Fire Interest Rating Scale, the Fire Attitude Scale, and the Identification with Fire Questionnaire were administered to 234 male prisoners (117 firesetters, 117 non-firesetters) and results were factor analyzed. To determine the relationship of the resulting factors with firesetting behaviour, their ability to discriminate firesetters from controls was examined and compared to the original scales. Results: Responses were best represented by five factors, four of which discriminated firesetters from non-firesetters. One factor demonstrated significant accuracy in discriminating single offence firesetters from repeat firesetters. Taken together the factors offered more clarity than using the original scale outcomes and showed equivalent predictive accuracy. Conclusions: The five factors identified may aid practitioners in helping to formulate the specific treatment needs of identified firesetters.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1111/lcrp.12065
Uncontrolled keywords: Firesetting; Arson; Factor Analysis
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
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: 26 Jun 2014 12:42 UTC
Last Modified: 12 Jul 2022 10:40 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/41546 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Ó Ciardha, Caoilte.

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

Barnoux, Magali F.L..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7921-8819
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Alleyne, Emma.

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

Tyler, Nichola.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Mozova, Katarina.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Gannon, Theresa A..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5810-4158
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.