COGNITIVE-FUNCTIONING ABILITY OF ARSONISTS

The intelligence of arsonists (N = 72), who were examined before-trial was compared with offenders charged with homicide (N = 56). In both groups the means of full-scale IQ and verbal and performance IQ were in the dull normal range. Among the arsonists, 8% had superior intelligence (IQ > 115), 43% had normal intelligence (IQ 86-114), 38% had subnormal IQs (IQ 68-85) and 11% were found to fall in the range of mental retardation (IQ < 68). The verbal ability of arsonists was better than their performance. The full-scale IQ of female arsonists (N = 10) was lower than that of male arsonists (N = 62). The intellectual full-scale functioning ability of juvenile arsonists was better than that of adult arsonists.