The study population consisted of 186 firestarters between ages 4 and 17 and 165 controls matched for age and sex at 2 State psychiatric hospitals for children, 6 community mental health centers, and a children's medical hospital. The data were collected beginning in November 1984. The findings failed to corroborate the results of other studies that have suggested correlations between firesetting and enuresis, sexual conflicts, low intelligence, large family size, economic deprivation, adoption, and a diagnosis of psychosis. However, the study did support other studies' findings that firesetters tend to have conduct problems such as disobedience and aggressiveness. It also found that firesetters experienced significantly more emotional neglect and physical abuse than others. Tables and 34 references. (Author abstract modified)