ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 10

A Comparison of Partner and Solo Arsonists
Harwood, BT
Executive director and consultant psychologist, Forensic Mental Health Service of Erie County, NY

Molnar, G
Clinical director, Department of Psychiatry, Erie County Medical Center, NY

Keitner, L
Executive director and consultant psychologist, Forensic Mental Health Service of Erie County, NY

(Received 28 February 1983; accepted 7 July 1983)

Abstract

Data on 225 adult arsonists arrested in a metropolitan county over a four-year period were systematically gathered. In each case 83 variables related to the arsonist and the arson were examined. The presence or absence of a partner in crime clearly differentiated two groups of arsonists. Partner and solo arsonists are characterized by a different level of social functioning and a different burden of mental impairment and criminal history. By focusing on the partner variable, it also becomes clear that the characteristics of the offense are related to those of the offender.

Keywords:
psychiatry, arson, comparative analysis, arsonists, partner, solo, relationship, psychosocial

Paper ID: JFS11706J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11706J
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