Dr Nichola Tyler
Biography:
Sinead Cloonan-Thomas is a doctoral research candidate and provisional psychologist currently completing the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) at Swinburne University of Technology.
Professor Theresa Gannon is an academic, registered forensic psychologist, and Director of the Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychology at the University of Kent, UK.
Dr Nichola Tyler is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology in the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne University of Technology.
Abstract:
Deliberate firesetting represents an enduring social and public health issue resulting in significant harm to property, human lives, the economy, and the environment. Individuals who set deliberate fires are frequently encountered by clinicians working in criminal justice and forensic mental health settings, however, empirical evidence to guide effective assessment and prevention of this behaviour is sparse. This symposium will present new research and perspectives on understanding, assessing, and responding to deliberate firesetting in apprehended and un-apprehended samples. Each presentation will consider the implications of the findings for research, policy and practice and identify future directions for improving research, assessment, and prevention of deliberate firesetting.