ABSTRACT
Trauma-related disturbance is understood to be a highly complex psychological phenomenon, and is most often associated with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Factors considered important for the development of PTSD in fire survivors are thought to be similar to those in victims of other types of traumatic events. Korol, Green and Gleser have argued that four primary factors interact to determine short-term functioning and long-term adaptation to traumatic events. This chapter reviews the available psychological research on the development of trauma in survivors of both natural and deliberately lit fire events, with a particular emphasis on the treatment needs for victims who are suffering the psychological effects of having experienced a deliberately lit fire. It draws from the findings of other types of community disasters and crime victimisation in order to develop an understanding about the course of recovery for victims of arson.
