Characteristics of Juvenile Firesetting Across Childhood and Adolescence (Cover Story‪)‬

Abstract The purpose of this study was to initiate preliminary analyses that would contribute to the identification of a typology of firesetters, would account for variance in the severity of fires set by juveniles, and would predict the likelihood of recidivistic behaviors in juvenile firesetters. Predictors were restricted to a limited set of exploratory variables, including age, sex, delinquency, limited sociability, and psychopathology. The breadth of the sample under study provided some interesting insight into how different types of firesetters vary in their firesetting based on levels of pathology, limited sociability, and delinquency. Because of the nature of the magnitude of fire damage (most fireplay by juveniles does not result in any financial damage), forensic psychologists and other professionals may find it helpful to investigate recidivism or the type of firesetter.