Playing with fire or arson? Identifying predictors of juvenile firesetting behavior
by Britt, Mary Ellen, M.P.H., UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS, 2011, 94 pages; 1494019

Abstract:

Firesetting is a complex behavior that spans a wide range of developmental stages in childhood and adolescence and involves varying motivations and intents. A better understanding of this destructive behavior is critical to developing strategies to control its devastating effects. The purpose of this research project was to identify potential predictors of juvenile firesetting behavior by studying youth who were enrolled in a regional firesetting intervention program. Data collected from firesetting assessment instruments completed by parents or guardians of program participants were examined. In the analyses, special emphasis was placed on evaluating associations between juvenile firesetting behavior and the socioeconomic status of the family; family structure and functioning; and select characteristics of conduct disorder or antisociality among children and adolescents enrolled in the program. Statistically significant findings in two areas of the study support empirical evidence reported in the extant literature. Among youth enrolled in the program, results indicate that those who demonstrated increased interest in fire were more likely to engage in more fire-related incidents. The second finding was that youth who exhibited behaviors characteristic of conduct disorder or antisociality were also more likely to be involved in more firesetting events. Additional research into developing appropriate assessment tools and intervention strategies is necessary.

 
AdviserMichelle Chino
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS
SourceMAI/ 49-06, p. , Jul 2011
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsBehavioral sciences; Health sciences; Public health
Publication Number1494019
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1494019
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.