NCJ Number
99843
Journal
Police Surgeon Dated: (April 1985) Pages: 16-21
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper compares the similarities and differences between arsonists and rapists who commit their crimes to relieve psychological pressure.
Abstract
Arsonists and rapists deprived of the emotional nurturance required to build healthy self-esteem are hypersensitive to internal and external assaults on self-esteem, which produces intense feelings of rejection and powerlessness spawning hostility and vengefulness. These assaults on self-esteem are countered through fantasies of power that are immune to social inhibitions. In acting out a planned, fantasized scenario, the rapist acts to transform himself into a mythical superhero. The victim is depersonalized and objectified as the rapist is engulfed by his experience of power over the victim. Similarly, the arsonist experiences himself as an instrument of supreme power in initiating destruction. The rapist and arsonist differ in their choices of scenario for resolving ego deprivations. The arsonist finds release in exercising power over a nonpersonal object, whereas the rapist seeks power over a personal object. Personality characteristics of the arsonist and rapist are listed. 7-item bibliography.