Abstract

This study examines growth experience of arson offenders through records research and interviews with them. It found that a single parent family background due to parental divorce, death of a parent or other reasons was prevalent among arson offenders. In other words, a greater number of those offenders spent youth in single parent or grandparent-headed homes. Most of them from single or grandparent families tended to remember they had disturbed childhood. Under the unfavorable family environment, some of arson perpetrators experienced childhood abuse or neglect. This study also found that more than half of serial arsonists had relationship problems within the family and non-serial arsonist also had relationship problems. Another distinct characteristic of arson offenders was that they had no close friend. It could be translated that they had no one to rely on or get help when they faced unexpected problems and relationship issues.

The study looked into child abuse experience of serial arsonists in their families and learned that around ten percent of offenders reported child abuse. More serial arsonists were being abused in childhood than non-serial arsonists. Findings of the study indicate that impact of adverse growing-up experiences such as family problems, physical abuse, or running away from home extend into adulthood. Parenting environment as well as childhood abuse has a substantial impact on developing personalities and forming patterns of behavior toward certain problems. Furthermore, relationship within the family and support system last into adulthood and experience of running away from home in adolescence may deprive them of chances to build up social capital.