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The subclassification of child firesetters.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|September 1, 1985
Summary
Child firesetters are not a uniform group. This study found age and referral reason are key to understanding differences in child fire setting behaviors and their development.
Area of Science:
- Child psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Child firesetting is a complex behavior with various potential underlying causes.
- Previous research has not conclusively determined if child firesetters represent a single, homogenous group or multiple distinct subgroups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heterogeneity of child firesetters.
- To identify potential subgroups within the population of child firesetters.
- To explore the relationship between firesetting behavior and other childhood issues.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Data were collected from case notes and item sheets of children referred to an Inner London clinic between 1973 and 1981.
- Statistical analysis was used to identify patterns and correlations.
Main Results:
- Child firesetters were most effectively classified by age.
- Reason for referral served as a secondary useful classification.
- No significant links were found between enuresis (bedwetting) and indicators of dangerousness or cruelty to animals.
Conclusions:
- Child firesetters likely represent a heterogeneous group, not a monolithic one.
- Age and referral reason are critical factors for subtyping child firesetters.
- Further research into the developmental pathways and subclassification of conduct disturbances related to firesetting is warranted.