Evidence from studies of pathological arson and normal fire setting as well as the authors' clinical experience with arsonists in a maximum security hospital is employed to generate a model of recidivistic arson within the conceptual framework of functional analysis. It is contended that certain psychosocial stimuli, in the context of major setting conditions, predispose the individual towards incendiarism which is initially positively and negatively reinforced. However, the longer-term consequences of arson are considered to maintain and exacerbate the antecedent problems encountered by arsonists. Specifically, arson is viewed as an attempt to exert a change in the arsonist's life conditions where alternative behaviours have proved, or are perceived to be, ineffective. The model incorporates adaptations of the displaced aggression and arousal hypotheses of arson, and examines possible developmental aspects of pathological arson from normal childhood fire play, and suggests that a transition from fire setting in the company of others to incendiarism alone constitutes a major factor in the pathological process. The social, clinical and theoretical implications of the model are discussed with reference to current management and treatment strategies as well as future research.

Arson and violent offenders from a maximum security hospital were compared regarding demographic features and incidents of interpersonal violence. These two groups and a matched normal control group were compared on four rating scales (Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, Zung Depression Inventory, Moral Anxiety Questionnaire and a specially designed Attitudes to Offences Questionnaire). Arsonists were similar to violent offenders on all the demographic indices, except that arsonists were taken into care at an earlier age. A lower incidence of interpersonal aggression was noted in the arsonists. Arsonists rated themselves as less assertive than violent offenders or controls and displayed a greater instability concerning attitudes towards the seriousness of person and property offences. There were no differences between arsonists and violent offenders in terms of moral anxiety or depression ratings although both groups scored at the extremes on the moral anxiety scale and were more depressed when compared to normals. The results are discussed with reference to the individual and situational factors which may underlie the displaced aggression hypothesis of arson.

Justifying attitudes by appealing to values: A hrnctional perspective. A note on the effects of age and gender on children's social behaviour. Gerard Duveen (School of Social Sciences, University of Sussex, Palmer, Brighton BN1 9QN), Barbara Lloyd and Caroline Smith Perception of violence as a h c t i o n of observer's ideology and actor's group membership. The relationship between stable/unstable attribution and learned helplessness. Mario Mikulincer (Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52 100, bml) The role of contextual factors in the relationship between physical activity and self-awareness. Michael H.