NCJ Number
80543
Date Published
1981
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This report examines the psychological condition and environmental background of pyromaniacs, who appear to repeatedly set fires without rational motivations.
Abstract
It has been postulated that there are three distinct categories of pyromaniacs: the psychotic firesetter, who exhibits ego malfunction; the psychopathic firesetter, who exhibits antisocial behavior; and the psychoneurotic firesetter, who has a personality disorder in that the offender expresses fears, either imaginary or real. Studies of adult firesetters have provided little specific information on the immediate environment of the pyromaniac. They do indicate that adult firesetters are likely to have been first born, last born, or only children and to have few marital ties and poor employment records. Many professionals believe that the motives of pyromaniacs are rational since many firesetters reported the purpose of the crime as vengeance, whereas others argue that pyromanics are impulsive and set fires to relieve tension. Other experts disagree over the extent of sexual problems apparent in pyromaniacs. Characteristics of the adolescent and the female firesetter are also mentioned. The paper concludes that further study on pyromaniacs is needed. Six references and endnotes are presented.