empirically derived classification system for juvenile firesetters: Implications for firesetting behaviour, mental health, outcome and treatment.
Published: 2005
Language: eng
Number of pages: 192
Description: Despite the significant heterogeneity of child and adolescent firesetters, there is a complete lack of empirically-based classification systems. Existing typologies have been purely descriptive, arbitrarily segregate subtypes based on different univariate characteristics, and lack empirical validation. In the present investigation, cluster analysis was used to develop a comprehensive classification scheme of juvenile firesetters based on both fire-specific and general individual and environmental variables theoretically and empirically associated to firesetting severity and recidivism. Participants included 240 juvenile firesetters aged 4 to 17 and their families or other primary caretakers who were near consecutive referrals to The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C). The findings of this investigation indicate that juvenile firesetters are a heterogeneous group that can be empirically separated into three conceptually distinct firesetting subtypes; conventional-limited firesetters, home-instability-moderate firesetters, and multi-risk-persistent firesetters. These subtypes differ on several fire-specific characteristics, individual and environmental variables, and firesetting recidivism and general outcome. The present typology provides a multivariate framework for understanding juvenile firesetters and firesetting behaviour. As well, the implications of this classification system for conducting comprehensive fire-risk assessments and implementing efficacious prevention and treatment strategies are discussed.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 66-10, Section: A, page: 3564.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Toronto, 2005.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.