Alternative Therapy with a Recalcitrant Fire-Setter

Dalton, Richard; Haslett, Nancy; Daul, George C.

doi:10.1016/s0002-7138(09)60300-9

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 8 publications

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“…Few psychodynamically oriented therapists have published papers on treat ment of firesetting; those who discuss the issue are generally pessimistic regarding the prognosis of this client group. The few published studies are usually case studies involving long-term individual psycho therapy which focuses on the underlying dynamics of the firesetting (Dalton et a!, 1986). Since the development and application of behavioural techniques, several case studies have been published applying learning theory principles of satiation, aversive conditioning, and reconditioning techniques (Daniel, 1987;Bourget & Bradford, 1987;Cowell, 1985;Wolff, 1984).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Profile of Female Firesetters

Stewart

1993

Br J Psychiatry

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We studied 28 female arsonists and 28 female controls admitted to Holloway Prison over four months to examine the psychological and situational antecedents to firesetting so that the behaviour could be targeted for treatment. Over 92% of the arson group had received a psychiatric diagnosis. Both groups had similarly high rates of early deprivation and abuse. None of the female arsonists had set a fire for financial gain. There was no evidence of sexual arousal being associated with firesetting; only two women described their firesetting in terms that suggest a level of compulsion--one of these was alcoholic, the other was diagnosed as severely personality disordered. Several behavioural and psychological antecedents to offending were identified which could be targeted for treatment: low self-esteem, depression, limited communication skills, and deficits in anger management. The relapse prevention model is suggested as a possible intervention for recidivistic arsonists.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%