http://osbie.on.ca/help/pdf/10-P7721-Arson-Threat.pdf
"What Motivates Arsonists?
Arsonists strike for a variety of
reasons: to conceal crimes; because
they are acting out of jealousy,
political activism, revenge or spite;
or simply for thrills and vandalism.
Unhappy or disgruntled former employees are particularly dangerous."
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http://www.firefocus.net/Profiling.htm
"The “typical” arsonist
"Arsonists compared to each other
The differences between arsonists are interesting. For instance, from the relatively few studies that have been published comparing male and female firesetting behaviour, it appears that while female firesetters do not differ significantly from male firesetters across a broad range of psychosocial bbmcharacteristics, gender differences are evident in criminal offence history and the reason for firesetting
Arsonists compared to other offenders
In terms of their demographic profile arsonists are typical of offenders generally. Where arsonists differentiate themselves from other offenders is mainly in the type of anti-social behaviour they undertake. For example, in their review of the relevant literature Vreeland and Levin (1980) found that firesetters tend to have a history of mainly property related crime rather than violent offences. Similarly, Tennent, McQuaid, Loughnane, and Hands (1971) reported that arsonists were more likely to have prior convictions for property damage and prostitution than other offenders in their sample were. Also, differences between arsonists and other offender groups have been noted in terms of certain personality characteristics and level of psychiatric disturbance.
When compared with other offenders, arsonists frequently report lower levels of self-esteem, assertiveness, and communication skills, while evidencing higher sensitivity to insult and intolerance of frustration and tension. Further, many arsonists have a diagnosis of one or more serious psychiatric conditions, predominantly covering schizophrenia, personality disorder or mental retardation".
