Prevalence of firesetting and related behaviors among child psychiatric patients.

This study examines the prevalence, characteristics, and continuity of firesetting among psychiatrically disturbed children. A 7-item firesetting history screen was independently administered to 164 outpatients and 136 inpatients and to their parents. Based on the reports of both sources combined, the prevalence rates of firesetting and match play, respectively, were high among outpatients (19.4%, 24.4%) and even higher among inpatients (34.7%, 52.0%). Parents and children in each sample reported comparable prevalence rates and acknowledged significantly more interest in fire and match play among firesetters than nonfiresetters. Such findings highlight the prevalence of firesetting among patient populations and the need for systematic assessment of firesetting in children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)