Adults who deliberately set fires : the utility of fire-setting intervention programmes for mentally disordered offenders

This thesis explores both the utility and effectiveness of psychological interventions in addressing fire-setting behaviour amongst adults. Chapter one explores the heterogeneous nature of this population in terms of the behaviour, the personal characteristics, and the motivations. By outlining multi-factorial theories, it explores why adults intentionally set fires and the implications that this has on the development of psychological interventions. Chapter two provides a critical appraisal of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (3rd Edition) as an assessment of personality disorder and psychopathology. This chapter explores the psychometric properties of the tool, both in terms of the reliability and validity of its use amongst adults within forensic settings. This was deemed important given its typical use with mentally disordered offenders, including those with a history of fire-setting behaviour. Chapter three contains a systematic review exploring the effectiveness of psychological interventions for adults who set fires, and highlights the shortage of available research. Although interventions have evidenced some promising findings in relation to recidivism and improved psychological well-being, limitations were recognised in relation to the quality of articles reviewed, and the generalisability of such findings. Chapter four explores the experiences of service users within a structured fire-setting treatment programme specifically designed for mentally disordered offenders. Using an Integrative Phenomenological Approach, insight is gained into the service users’ perceptions of the programme and its utility in addressing fire-setting behaviour. Six themes are identified and discussed in length offering a rich understanding into the most salient aspects of the intervention from an inpatient service user’s perspective. Finally, theoretical and clinical implications of the findings from the previous chapters are discussed in Chapter five.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

THE SYRIAN REFUGEES’ NEED FOR TRAUMA-BASED SERVICES, A SURVEY OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Background: Trauma Aid UK (previously HAP UK &Ireland) conducted three EMDR trainings in Turkey: the first was in Istanbul on 28th November 2013. Aim: The purpose of this study is to assess the needs of the Syrian Refugees for trauma services training and provision as assesses by mental health professionals who work with them. Subjects and methods: Amongst the 62 participants of two Istanbul EMDR trainings organised by HAP, 53% were Syrian. We felt it is a unique opportunity to assess the needs of Syrian refugees they are working with. We asked all the participants who are all mental health professionals to complete an Arabic translation of \u27The Need for Trauma-based Services Questionnaire\u27 in these trainings. The rest of the participants on the course were from Iraq (18%), Jordan (16%), Egypt (7%) and others from Palestine, Sudan & Libya (6%). All participants completed questionnaires. Results: The results of comparing the needs reported by Syrian mental health professionals showed higher prevalence of PTSD seen by the Syrian mental health professionals (72% compared with 56% in the clients seen by the rest of participants). Also, the Syrian mental health professionals could only meet 34% (SD=17.1) of the needs of their client who suffer from PTSD. The unmet need for trauma therapy was reported as 100% by these professionals. Conclusions: This study highlighted the high need for trauma mental health services of the Syrian refugees as reported by mental health professionals working in the neighbouring countries. The needs of the Syrian refugees, arriving to the UK because of the very difficult situations, these refugees are coming from, may be met with EMDR therapy. EMDR can be used to help these refugees to be a productive part of the British society