What is a characteristic of juvenile firesetters?

Juvenile firesetters often seek attention or relief from emotional distress, making this characteristic particularly important in understanding their behavior. Many young individuals may not have fully developed emotional regulation skills and can resort to fire-setting as a means of expressing their feelings or coping with difficult situations. This behavior can stem from various underlying issues, such as trauma, abuse, or social isolation.

While it is true that some juvenile firesetters might operate in groups, this is not universally characteristic of all juvenile offenders. The notion that they are primarily over the age of 17 is misleading as the majority of firesetters fall into the younger age category, often being adolescents or even younger children. Additionally, while some juveniles may not fully grasp the consequences of their actions due to lack of maturity, the primary motivation for their behavior is often tied to emotional needs rather than a complete lack of understanding. Therefore, the focus on emotional distress provides key insight into the underlying motivations of juvenile firesetters, establishing the validity of the chosen answer.