A functional analysis of recidivistic arson

Abstract

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.

The Multi-Trajectory Theory of Adult Firesetting (M-TTAF)

“…Specifically, the theory neglects to explain why individuals who do not experience psychosocial disadvantage stemming from childhood engage in firesetting behavior (see Fineman, 1995) nor why some individuals who experience psychosocial disadvantage do not engage in firesetting. Furthermore, firesetting that occurs in the context of general offending is not examined and some researchers appear to assume that all repetitive firesetting is accompanied by at least some level of fire interest (Jackson et al, 1987). In addition, although the theory pays specific attention to the developmental components hypothesized to be related to firesetting, only one specific aspect of developmental experience is focused upon (i.e., adverse experiences) and the proximal elements of the theory are relatively less clearly explicated.…”

“…At this tier, the M-TTAF will integrate current theory and research knowledge into a broad etiological theory of firesetting regarding the factors and mechanisms that interact to facilitate and reinforce firesetting. It is at this general multi-factor level that existing researchers have attempted to describe firesetting (Fineman, 1980(Fineman, , 1995Jackson et al, 1987). In addition to this, however, we also incorporate typological knowledge of firesetting at Tier 2 of the theory (see Table 1).…”

“…Previous researchers have hypothesized that fire holds instantly reinforcing consequences in the form of sensory stimulation (e.g., flames, arousal, sirens, and sound) as well as positive reinforcement in the form of self efficacy, power, economic gain, and attention (Fineman, 1980(Fineman, , 1995Jackson et al, 1987;Vreeland & Levin, 1980). Furthermore, the often negative consequences of firesetting (e.g., punitive responses and restricted opportunities with fire) may exacerbate individuals' existing tendencies to seek out opportunities to elicit the 'forbidden' positive consequences of fire; thus further increasing fire interest (see Jackson et al, 1987). We view fire interest as representing a natural curiosity for a dangerous and yet necessary natural energy that has played a role in the survival of our ancestors (e.g., light, warmth, food preparation; Fessler, 2006;Stanford, 2001).…”

Developing and evaluating interventions for women firesetters in high secure mental healthcare

“…Early theories of firesetting included Social Learning Theory (Gannon, Ó Ciardha, Doley, and Alleyne, 2012); Jackson's functional analysis model: Firesetting as the Only Viable Option (Jackson, Glass, and Hope, 1987;Jackson, 1994); and Fineman's (1995) dynamic behavioural theory. Social learning theorists view firesetting as the product of learning principles and a form of learnt hostility/aggression.…”

“…For example, firesetting can be instantly reinforcing through the sensory excitement, the sirens, crowd, and noise associated with the fire (Vreeland and Levin, 1980). Jackson et al, (1987) developed the first multifactorial theory of firesetting which postulates that the behaviour is likely to be repeated when the antecedents and consequences of arson are such that certain criteria are met. Key antecedents are psychosocial disadvantage, dissatisfaction with life and self, social ineffectiveness, specific psychosocial stimuli and a triggering stimulus.…”