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Examining the Psychopathology of Incarcerated Male Firesetters using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III

Ó Ciardha, Caoilte, Alleyne, Emma, Tyler, Nichola, Barnoux, Magali F.L., Mozova, Katarina, Gannon, Theresa A. (2015) Examining the Psychopathology of Incarcerated Male Firesetters using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III. Psychology, Crime & Law, 21 (6). pp. 606-616. ISSN 1068-316X. (doi:10.1080/1068316X.2015.1008478) (KAR id:46263)

Abstract

Research to date has been equivocal on the relationship between firesetting and psychopathology, and has been impeded by studies lacking adequate control samples. The present study examined psychopathology in a sample of incarcerated adult male firesetters (n = 112) and prison controls (n = 113) using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III. Firesetters demonstrated multiple elevated scores on personality and clinical syndrome scales. Logistic regression showed that the borderline personality scale was the strongest personality scale discriminator between firesetters and controls. Major depression and drug dependence were the strongest clinical syndrome scale predictors. However, both clinical syndrome scale predictors appeared to be mediated by borderline personality scores indicating that firesetters are best characterized by responding indicative of borderline personality traits rather than other psychopathological deficits. The results suggest that, relative to other offenders, firesetters face challenges with impulse control, affect regulation, stability of interpersonal relationships, and self-image.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/1068316X.2015.1008478
Uncontrolled keywords: firesetting, arson, psychopathology, personality disorder, MCMI-III
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Funders: [UNSPECIFIED] Economic and Social Research Council
Depositing User: Caoilte O Ciardha
Date Deposited: 19 Dec 2014 11:17 UTC
Last Modified: 29 Sep 2021 11:07 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/46263 (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:

Alleyne, Emma.

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

Tyler, Nichola.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Barnoux, Magali F.L..

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