ARSON IN MENTALLY-ILL AND CRIMINAL POPULATIONS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (4) , 128-130
Abstract
Two groups of adult arsonists, 27 with mental illness and 23 not considered to be mentally ill, were examined for demographic features, premorbid factors, motives and family background. Almost half (46%) of the mentally ill arsonists were mentally retarded. A large proportion of the not-mentally ill group committed arson as a crime of passion, 33% of which occurred under the influence of alcohol. Both groups reported a high proportion of absent fathers and seriously disturbed family relations. The relationship of these acts to sexual impulses was minimal, a finding that contrasts with case report studies.

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