Date of Award
Fall 2006
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Justice Studies
Degree Name
Master of Arts
First Advisor
Murray A Straus
Abstract
Juvenile firesetting is a major problem causing millions of dollars worth of damage each year, and yet there is very little know about it. In order to address this lack of knowledge the present study examined the relationship between adverse life events and juvenile firesetting behavior. This relationship was examined using a sample of students from 17 public and 10 private schools in Southern Australia (2105 males, 1629 females). Data were collected from the students during grade 8 (mean age of 13) using the Youth Assessment Checklist, and again during grades 9 and 10.
Adverse life events were found to be associated with increased juvenile firesetting behavior. Family related adverse life events were found to have the strongest association with increased juvenile firesetting behavior. Additionally, under very limited circumstances anxiety was found to mediate the effect of the relationship between adverse life events and juvenile firesetting behavior.
Recommended Citation
Roberts, Patrick A., "Change in family and peer adverse life circumstances in relation to juvenile firesetting" (2006). Master's Theses and Capstones. 31.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/31