The positive aspects of fire use: a grounded theory of the experiences of non-criminalised fire users
The Journal of Forensic Practice
ISSN: 2050-8794
Article publication date: 10 November 2021
Issue publication date: 1 December 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Psychological research on fire has focussed primarily on its misuse in the form of arson and firesetting, which reflects a tradition in forensic psychology for focussing on risk and pathological behaviour. However, this is inconsistent with the strengths-based approach because it fails to account for positive aspects of fire and law-abiding/ healthy interactions with fire. This study aims to explore the psychology of non-criminalised forms of fire use. It is predicated on a novel, dimensional, conceptualisation of fire-related behaviour – the continuum of fire use (CoFU; Horsley, 2020, 2021).
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adults who use fire in law-abiding forms. Data were analysed using techniques informed by grounded theory. Steps were taken to ensure reliability and validity, including a Cohen’s Kappa calculation, which indicated an agreement level of 0.8 between two raters.
Findings
Four core themes were identified relating to the benefits of fire on psychological well-being, namely, immediate gratification; hope and empowerment; self-concept and emotional security.
Research limitations/implications
Drawing on findings from this study, a theoretical framework of the psychology of non-criminalised fire use is presented. This is a preliminary conceptualisation and more work is needed to address this under-researched topic.
Practical implications
The findings can inform the work of forensic practitioners. They highlight the importance of considering service users' positive interactions with fire, alongside maladaptive/ criminal use. This has implications for the assessment of fire setters, as well as rehabilitative approaches.
Social implications
It is argued in this paper that a society-wide approach is key to firesetting reduction. More specifically, findings can inform the development and refinement of early intervention programmes, which focus on supporting young people to develop a healthy relationship with fire.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the psychology of non-criminalised forms of fire use. It is predicated on a novel, dimensional, conceptualisation of fire-related behaviour – the continuum of fire use (CoFU; Horsley, 2020, 2021a, 2021b).
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Author thanks to all participants. The author would also like to express gratitude to [redacted for peer review].Disclosure statement: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.Data availability statement: Although anonymised, interview transcripts contain detailed information about participants’ backgrounds, occupation/s and life histories from which identification might be possible. To protect anonymity the author does not intend to share the data, however, selected extracts from transcripts can be provided upon request.Implications for practise: Provides a balanced perspective on fire use, including “healthy” forms of behaviour.Can inform the development and refinement of youth firesetting/fire safety interventions.
Thank you to all participants in this study. Thank you also to Professor Graham Towl and Dr Kate O’Brien for your guidance and support. Additionally, thank you to Professor Karen Ross for your valuable comments on this manuscript. Finally, thank you to Ms Olivia Airton for your assistance.
Citation
Horsley, F.K. (2021), "The positive aspects of fire use: a grounded theory of the experiences of non-criminalised fire users", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 317-331. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-05-2021-0028
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited