What are the psychological causes of arson?

Answer by  Aubs (1089)

There are many causes, but one main one is attention seeking. People who feel that they do not get enough attention (whether positive or negative), will do strange, off-the-wall things to get what they think they are missing; notoriety.

Answer by  dr84bhl (2789)

An arsonist thinks that they are cleansing a situation, they do not see that what they are doing is causing damage.

Answer by  cmm (57)

This is a question for an expert. It may involve delusional thoughts, obsession, the adrenaline rush that comes with danger, and an increasing desensitization to the excitement and danger involved. It is probably attention-getting device that makes a person feel powerful, so that other people's reactions feed into the positive feelings the arson invokes.

Answer by  Baobao (1273)

In his childhood his parents did not care enough for him, or they often quarrelled, then he gets the abnormal characteristics and likes setting fire to relieve.