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

A triad of behavioral symptoms including enuresis, fire setting, and animal cruelty has been considered highly predictive of adult male violence. The present study reviews the triad hypothesis in light of extensive case materials from six triad-present aggressive violent male adolescents. In addition to confirming the predictive usefulness of the triad, this investigation found marked personality arrest present in each subject. The case material is discussed from a variety of viewpoints, including the triad's application as a screening device for the prediction of dangerousness.

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