Enuresis, Fire Setting, and Animal Cruelty in Male Adolescent Delinquents: A Triad Predictive of Violent Behavior

Wax, Douglas E.; Haddox, Victor G.

doi:10.1177/009318537400200105

Cited by 25 publications

(8 citation statements)

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“…In the most thorough recent review on this phenomenon, Hellman and Blackman [1] established with their data that a significant relationship exists between this triad of symptoms in childhood and violent aggressive behavior in adulthood. Our present exploration of this phenomenon has involved a detailed study of adolescent males evidencing this triad [2,3]. Our findings are consistent with previous studies of adults and the detailed descriptions of children demonstrating this triad.…”

supporting

confidence: 90%

Enuresis, fire setting, and animal cruelty: A useful danger signal in predicting vulnerability of adolescent males to assaultive behavior

Wax

Haddox

1974

Child Psych Hum Dev

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Current shifts in corrective and rehabilitation planning result in an emphasis upon primary prevention efforts involving early identification and intervention with vulnerable children who run high risk of serious adolescent and adult delinquency. A variety of observers have argued that the presence of a combination of observable problem behaviors documented in childhood is related to ego weakness and may have value as a predictor of explosive acting out in later life. The present study examines a number of institutionalized adolescent male delinquents whose recent history contains reference to a triad of behaviors (persistent enuresis, fire setting, and animal cruelty). Not only does the predictive validity of the triad appear to be supported, but the cases cited rank highest among overtly dangerous assaultive youth seen in the Southern California Youth Authority during the 12-month observation period. Presented is a summary of case history data supporting the hypothesis that the triad is a useful clinical tool in the prediction of violent behavior.Various social sciences have long struggled with issues concerning behavioral prediction. The applied behavioral sciences, particularly in the areas of correction and allied rehabilitation, have often seized upon concepts such as the psychological test profile, body type

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supporting

confidence: 90%

Enuresis, fire setting, and animal cruelty: A useful danger signal in predicting vulnerability of adolescent males to assaultive behavior

Wax

Haddox

1974

Child Psych Hum Dev

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“…Fire setting has long been associated with animal cruelty as a potential predictor of involvement in other violent acts. 36,72 The combination of the 2—setting fire to living animals—is considered particularly predictive of high risk for further offenses. 47,66 Other forms of burn injuries, including scalding, microwaving, or burning with caustic chemicals, are all suggestive potential dangerousness by virtue of the fact that all entail close proximity to the victim, restraint of the victim, insensitivity to victim’s expression of pain, and a degree of premeditation.…”

Section: Specific Forms Of Animal Cruelty—what Forensic Pathology Migmentioning

confidence: 99%

Animal Abuse and Interpersonal Violence

Lockwood

Arkow²

2016

Vet Pathol

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The role of the veterinary forensic pathologist in the investigation of animal abuse or neglect can go beyond documenting the condition of animals presented as evidence. Although animal cruelty is a moral concern and a crime in itself, law enforcement response to such crimes is often enhanced by the recognition that crimes against animals can be both indicators of other ongoing crimes against people and predictors of the potential for interpersonal violence. An understanding of common motives underlying animal cruelty can aid the pathologist in asking appropriate questions. The authors review the forms of pathology evidence commonly seen in various presentations of animal cruelty. Understanding these forms of evidence can help the pathologist describe findings that can be significant for assessing the potential risks the alleged perpetrator may pose to other animals and humans.

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“…Some of the literature focused specifically on the factor of cruelty to animals with respect to its relationship to violence perpetrated against humans (see e.g., Arkow, 1998;Ascione, 1998aAscione, , 1998bDeViney, Dickert, & Lockwood, 1983;Felthous & Kellert, 1987;Lockwood & Church, 1998;Lockwood & Hodge, 1997;Ressler, Burgess, Hartman, Douglas, & McCormack, 1998;Spiegel, 1988;Tapia, 1971). Other studies included cruelty to animals as one of several factors investigated (Bender, 1959;Climent, Hyg, & Erwin, 1972;Douglas, Burgess, Burgess, & Ressler, 1997;Douglas & Olshaker, 1995;Easson & Steinhilber, 1961;Heide, 1992;Heller, Ehrlich, Saundra, & Lester, 1984;Hellman & Blackman, 1966;Holmes & De Burger, 1988;Holmes & Holmes, 1996;Justice, Justice, & Kraft, 1974;MacDonald, 1964;Mead, 1964;Wax & Haddox, 1974a, 1974b, 1974c. Some studies have concluded that cruelty to animals is a significant factor, whereas others have found it to be insignificant.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Childhood Cruelty to Animals and Subsequent Violence against Humans

Merz-Perez

Heide²,

Silverman

2001

Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol

152

183

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Recent studies have offered compelling evidence supporting a relationship between childhood cruelty to animals and later violence against humans. This study investigated whether violent offenders were significantly more likely than nonviolent offenders to have abused animals of various types during childhood. Interviews were conducted with 45 violent and 45 nonviolent offenders incarcerated in a maximum-security prison and randomly selected for this study by institutional staff members. Two data collection instruments were used. The first extracted demographic and social history from the participants. The second was used to gather information regarding cruelty to animals as categorized into four types (wild, farm, pet, and stray). Results indicated that a statistically significant relationship existed between childhood cruelty to animals and later violence against humans. Furthermore, the study found, consistent with prior research, that violent offenders were significantly more likely than nonviolent offenders to have committed acts of cruelty toward pet animals as children.

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Enuresis, Fire Setting, and Animal Cruelty in Male Adolescent Delinquents: A Triad Predictive of Violent Behavior

Cited by 25 publications

References 0 publications

Enuresis, fire setting, and animal cruelty: A useful danger signal in predicting vulnerability of adolescent males to assaultive behavior

Enuresis, fire setting, and animal cruelty: A useful danger signal in predicting vulnerability of adolescent males to assaultive behavior

Animal Abuse and Interpersonal Violence

Childhood Cruelty to Animals and Subsequent Violence against Humans

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