Adult Perpetrated Firesetting

Deliberate firesetting by adults, is increasingly recognised as a significant international issue that has a considerable impact on the physical, psychological, and economic wellbeing of society. This chapter will first introduce key terminology and then outline the prevalence and incidence of this behaviour. An overview of contemporary theoretical explanations for deliberate firesetting will be provided followed by a discussion of demographic, developmental, and clinical features of individuals who set deliberate fires. Consideration is given to the role of psychopathology in the aetiology of firesetting, including disorders where firesetting is detailed as a specific symptom (e.g., pyromania) and other psychopathological conditions identified as prevalent among those who set fires. Finally, the chapter will conclude with a discussion on current approaches to assessment and treatment.