The fire – fire user relationship: a grounded theory of criminalised fire users’ experiences
Progress has been made in the psychological study of arson and firesetting but existing research is predominantly offence-focussed, meaning that the nuances of humans’ relationship with fire have not been fully captured. This study explored the fire – fire user relationship from the perspective of a...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2021
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| In: |
The journal of forensic psychiatry & psychology
Year: 2021, Volume: 32, Issue: 6, Pages: 902-916 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Keywords: |
| Summary: | Progress has been made in the psychological study of arson and firesetting but existing research is predominantly offence-focussed, meaning that the nuances of humans’ relationship with fire have not been fully captured. This study explored the fire – fire user relationship from the perspective of an incarcerated sample. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adults with arson convictions and/or a record of institutional firesetting. Data analysis was based on the principles of grounded theory. Three themes were identified, underpinning participants’ life-long psychological relationship with fire, namely: 1) Immediate Gratification, 2) Self-Concept, and 3) Self-Preservation. This study is the first to explore the lifelong fire – fire user relationship. Implications are discussed, most notably in relation to how findings could inform youth firesetting prevention initiatives. |
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| ISSN: | 1478-9957 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/14789949.2021.1942515 |
