The Characteristics and Treatment Needs of Adult Males Who Have Set Fires in Forensic Institutions
Deliberate firesetting is a significant international public health concern, with research growing over the past decade, particularly on community firesetting. However, firesetting within forensic institutions, a highly dangerous form of the behaviour, remains largely neglected. Institutional firesetting in custodial settings endangers lives, damages facilities, and poses broader risks to public safety. Disruptions within secure institutions can extend beyond their walls, straining public resources and hindering the development of healthy, thriving communities. There is sparse empirical research on the risk factors predicting recidivism and the treatment needs of those who set institutional fires, compared to those who set fires in the community or both. Additionally, the sequence of events leading to institutional firesetting and the most effective points for intervention remain unclear. This PhD aims to fill these gaps by providing the first comprehensive investigation into institutional firesetting. Study 1 will examine static and dynamic risk factors associated with institutional firesetting using retrospective data. Study 2 will identify the unique treatment needs of those who set institutional fires using psychological questionnaires selected according to recent theory. Study 3 will explore, via interviews, how and when institutional firesetting occurs by mapping the sequence of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours leading up to the fire. Finally, Study 4 will identify subtypes or pathways to institutional firesetting based on shared characteristics or patterns of behaviour. Overall, my research will advance theory and practice, offering clinicians, policymakers, and custodial staff an evidence-based framework for evaluating, rehabilitating, and preventing institutional firesetting.