Multi Trajectory Theory Essay

Gannon et al.’s (2012) Multi-Trajectory Theory of Adult Fire-setting (M-TTAF) is a newly constructed, etiological, multi-factorial theory of adult fire-setting. It was developed based on existing research and theories of fire setting, both single-factor and multi-factor, such as the Social Learning Theory, the Function Analysis Theory (Jackson et al., 1987), the Dynamic Behaviour Theory (Fineman, 1995), as well as typological classificatory systems and clinical experience. The aim of the M-TTAF is to investigate the etiology behind adult fire-setting behaviour by bringing together previous research achievements, in order to minimize the weaknesses of past theories (Howitt, 2015). A plethora of definitions has been proposed for arson. Despite the fact that legal definitions of arson usually vary from country to country and in different
The authors of the M-TTAF are using the broader term “fire-setting” rather than “arson”. The rationale behind this distinction was that “arson” is a legal definition of deliberate fire-setting, which varies across jurisdictions and therefore leads to discrepancies (Gannon et al., 2012). Gaynor (1996) suggested that fire-setting can be defined as the wilful act of setting fire, which represents an increasing fire-related activity. This activity progresses within three stages, starting with fire interest, followed by fire play and fire setting (Gaynor, cited in Winder & Banyard, 2012). Gannon et al.’s theory intends to account for adult male and female fire-setting rather than child or juvenile fire-setting. Nevertheless, the M-TTAF seeks to identify the factors and mechanisms that facilitate and reinforce fire-setting, whose origins can be traced back to childhood. In other words, distal factors that lead to fire-setting behaviour are discussed within a developmental context (Howitt, 2015). The main aspects of the developmental context, as described by the M-TTAF, are the following: 1. The caregiver