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The emergence and recurrence of child firesetting: A one-year prospective study

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Abstract

This study provides 1-year, prospective data regarding the firesetting histories of a sample of 138 children (ages 6–13 years) recruited from patient and non-patient populations. Parent and child interviews were conducted at initial assessment and 1-year followup. Of 78 children initially classified as nonfiresetters, 14 children (18%) later had set a fire. Of 60 children initially identified as firesetters, 21 (35%) had set an additional fire by followup. Late starting was associated with limited family sociability, whereas recidivism was associated with child knowledge about combustibles and involvement in firerelated activities, community complaints about fire contact, child hostility, lax discipline, family conflict, and limited parental acceptance, family affiliation, and organization. The findings highlight alternative risk variables for initiation and repetition of child firesetting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

    Alan E. Kazdin

  2. Child & Parent Behavior Clinic, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O'Hara Street, 15213, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    David J. Kolko

Authors
  1. David J. Kolko
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  2. Alan E. Kazdin
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Additional information

This study was supported by a grant (MH-39976) to both authors and by a Research Scientist Award (MH-00353) to the second author from the National Institute of Mental Health. The authors appreciate the technical assistance of Brian Day, Dana Young, Amy Van Dyke, Marcia Bronder Warren, and the other associates of the Child Firesetting Project.

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Kolko, D.J., Kazdin, A.E. The emergence and recurrence of child firesetting: A one-year prospective study. J Abnorm Child Psychol 20, 17–37 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00927114

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00927114

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