Fire and Behavior: Exploring Intrapsychic Trauma in Arson Survivors

Abstract

Fire, one of the four mighty elements of life, along with earth, air, and water, has long been one of the most destructive, fascinating, and useable forces for those who would wreak havoc on the lives of others. A pervasive and significant public health problem for many families, arson-related fires cause the loss of hundreds of lives each year and thousands suffer burns and many other injuries as a result of these crimes. Arson that results in loss of life and property may result in an altered world view and produce other complicated issues for survivors to navigate.