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Lee J, Lee SY. Primary and Secondary Callous-Unemotional Childhood Variants in a Korean Community Sample. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01747-6. [PMID: 39127968 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite the growing support for the multiple developmental pathways to phenotypic callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., primary, and secondary CU variants), there remains limited research on childhood manifestations of CU variants in non-Western, community samples. Using a latent profile analysis with data sourced from the longitudinal, nationwide Korean sample (N = 1597, 48.7% girls), we discerned heterogeneous groups of children, based on externalizing problems, CU traits, and emotional reactivity level. The optimal five-profile solution identified distinct subgroups: low-risk, primary CU (characterized by low emotional reactivity and externalizing problem), reactive (low CU/moderate emotion reactivity and externalizing problem), and two secondary CU groups (i.e., secondary-high CU and secondary-moderate CU; both high in emotional reactivity and externalizing problems). The two secondary CU variants demonstrated differences from the primary CU variants, in that both are high in preschool externalizing problems (age 6) and school-age conduct problems (age 11). However, the secondary-moderate CU group displayed greater levels of anxiety at age 11 compared to secondary-high CU, indicating divergent developmental trajectories of secondary CU variants. These findings expand our understanding of CU variants among Korean preschoolers and highlight the role of emotional reactivity in distinguishing such subtypes and identifying their developmental outcomes across time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakyung Lee
- Department of Psychology, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-Gil, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yeon Lee
- Department of Psychology, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-Gil, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Perlstein S, Hawes SW, Byrd AL, Barzilay R, Gur RE, Laird AR, Waller R. Unique versus shared neural correlates of externalizing psychopathology in late childhood. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND CLINICAL SCIENCE 2024; 133:477-488. [PMID: 38869879 PMCID: PMC11293992 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Childhood externalizing psychopathology is heterogeneous. Symptom variability in conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and callous-unemotional (CU) traits designate different subgroups of children with externalizing problems who have specific treatment needs. However, CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits are highly comorbid. Studies need to generate insights into shared versus unique risk mechanisms, including through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, we tested whether symptoms of CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits were best represented within a bifactor framework, simultaneously modeling shared (i.e., general externalizing problems) and unique (i.e., symptom-specific) variance, or through a four-correlated factor or second-order factor model. Participants (N = 11,878, age, M = 9 years) were from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. We used questionnaire and functional magnetic resonance imaging data (emotional N-back task) from the baseline assessment. A bifactor model specifying a general externalizing and specific CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits factors demonstrated the best fit. The four-correlated and second-order factor models both fit the data well and were retained for analyses. Across models, reduced right amygdala activity to fearful faces was associated with more general externalizing problems and reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity to fearful faces was associated with higher CU traits. ADHD scores were related to greater right nucleus accumbens activation to fearful and happy faces. Results give insights into risk mechanisms underlying comorbidity and heterogeneity within externalizing psychopathology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel W. Hawes
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Amy L. Byrd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ran Barzilay
- Department of Psychiatry and the Lifespan Brain Institute of CHOP-Penn Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
| | - Raquel E. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry and the Lifespan Brain Institute of CHOP-Penn Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
| | - Angela R. Laird
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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3
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Batky BD, Mendez B, Bontemps A, Salekin RT. Psychopathy measurement practices moderate psychopathy's association with anxiety and depression: A comprehensive meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 111:102448. [PMID: 38838516 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Theories of psychopathy development traditionally emphasize that individuals high in psychopathy experience diminished internalizing symptoms (e.g., anxiety and depression). However, many studies find null or even positive relationships between psychopathy and internalizing. The current meta-analysis therefore aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of heterogeneity in psychopathy-anxiety/depression relationships by examining measurement and sample-related variables that may moderate these associations (e.g., psychopathy subdimensions assessed, different measures/operationalizations of psychopathy and anxiety/depression, and demographic characteristics). Results suggest that psychopathy demonstrates a small, positive overall association with anxiety/depression (r = 0.09), which may indicate that psychopathy is unrelated to subjective experiences of anxiety and sadness, but results could also reflect that varying psychopathy and anxiety/depression assessment practices contribute to heterogeneity in psychopathy-anxiety/depression associations. Most notably, results indicate that associations vary substantially across different measures/operationalizations of psychopathy, even when controlling for sample type and informant. Some psychopathy scales could therefore inadvertently capture anxiety/depression symptoms or broader psychopathology in addition to psychopathic traits. Findings from the current meta-analysis can inform future efforts to understand how measurement-related considerations influence relationships between psychopathy and anxiety/depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair D Batky
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, United States.
| | - Beatriz Mendez
- Department of Psychology, the University of Alabama, United States
| | - Andrew Bontemps
- Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Colorado, United States
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4
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Jiang Y, Gao Y, Dong D, Sun X, Situ W, Yao S. The amygdala volume moderates the relationship between childhood maltreatment and callous-unemotional traits in adolescents with conduct disorder. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02482-y. [PMID: 38832960 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02482-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
CU traits, characterized by shallow affect, lack of fear, and absence of remorse, have been moderately associated with childhood maltreatment in a recent meta-analysis. However, the potential impact of brain structures remains undetermined. This paper examines the relationship between callous-unemotional (CU) traits, childhood maltreatment, and amygdala volumes. In this study, we used a region-of-interest (ROI) analysis to explore the interaction between the volumes of the amygdala, childhood maltreatment, and the manifestation of CU traits in adolescents diagnosed with conduct disorder (CD, N = 67), along with a comparison group of healthy-control youths (HCs, N = 89). The ROI analysis revealed no significant group differences in the bilateral amygdalar volumes. Significant positive correlation was discovered between all forms of child maltreatment (except for physical neglect) and CU traits across subjects. But the interaction of physical abuse and amygdala volumes was only significant within CD patients. Notably, a sensitivity analysis suggested that gender significantly influences these findings. These results contribute critical insights into the etiology of CU traits, emphasizing the need for customized clinical assessment tools and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Jiang
- Department of Psychology, School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
- Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
- Research Base for Mental Health Education of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yidian Gao
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Daifeng Dong
- Medical Psychological Center, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiang Sun
- Medical Psychological Center, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijun Situ
- Department of Radiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuqiao Yao
- Medical Psychological Center, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center on Psychiatry and Psychology, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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5
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Wood WR. Restorative Justice and Trauma: Responding to the Needs and Misdeeds of Young People with Trauma Histories. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2024; 17:335-348. [PMID: 38938952 PMCID: PMC11199446 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Young people that offend evidence higher rates of trauma and post-traumatic distress than non-offending peers. Effects of post-traumatic distress also parallel research on some young people that participate in restorative justice (RJ) meetings who struggle with communication, emotionally withdraw, become agitated or defiant, evidence poor understanding of harms they have caused, or fail to demonstrate empathy or remorse. In this paper I suggest post-traumatic distress may explain some variation in RJ process and outcomes hitherto ignored in existing research. I also suggest research on trauma in young people raises four areas of concern for thinking about RJ as a "trauma-informed" practice, including impacts of trauma and post-traumatic distress on (1) oral language proficiency and non-verbal communication; (2) the experience and expression of emotions; (3) offender perceptions of fairness and respect; and (4) difficulties in behavioural changes following participation in RJ meetings. I conclude with discussion of challenges to and suggestions for using RJ as a trauma-informed practice in youth justice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. Wood
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4224 Australia
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6
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Payot M, Monseur C, Stievenart M, Brianda ME. Callous-Unemotional Traits and Co-occurring Anxiety in Preschool and School-age Children: Investigation of Associations with Family's Socioeconomic Status and Home Chaos. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024; 52:819-831. [PMID: 38157123 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
While contemporary literature has traditionally viewed youth with Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits as a homogeneous group, there is a growing interest in delineating two variants of CU traits based on high or low levels of anxiety. Extensive attention has been brought in the CU traits literature to the study of relational factors such as maltreatment and parenting practices. However, very few studies have looked at other environmental contexts in which the children within these two variants evolve, such as home chaos or socioeconomic status (SES). In a community sample of children aged 4 to 9, divided into a preschool sample (N = 107; Mage = 4.95, SD = 0.62) and a school-age sample (N = 153; Mage = 7.49, SD = 1.11), the current study investigated whether anxiety moderates the associations of CU traits with SES and home chaos. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that CU traits were positively associated with home chaos, regardless of anxiety levels. CU traits were negatively associated with SES, but this effect emerged only at high levels of anxiety. Notably, these findings were observed solely in the school-age subsample. Implications for understanding the two variants of CU traits (i.e., primary and secondary) and hypotheses regarding their developmental trajectories are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Payot
- Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Place des Orateurs, 1, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
| | - Christian Monseur
- Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Place des Orateurs, 1, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marie Stievenart
- Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Place des Orateurs, 1, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Maria Elena Brianda
- Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Place des Orateurs, 1, 4000, Liege, Belgium
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7
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Davis BN, Spivey RB, Hernandez S, McCartin H, Tourville T, Drislane LE. Reliability Generalization of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure. J Pers Assess 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38530886 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2024.2321956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The extent to which psychopathy can be reliably assessed via self-report has been debated. One step in informing this debate is examining the internal consistency of self-report psychopathy measures, such as the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM; Patrick, 2010). Reliability generalization (RG) studies apply a meta-analytic approach to examine the internal consistency of an instrument in a more robust manner by aggregating internal consistency statistics reported across the published literature. This study conducted an RG analysis to yield the average Cronbach's alpha among published studies (k = 219) that administered the TriPM. Meta-analytic alphas were high for TriPM Total (α = .88) Boldness (α = .81), Meanness (α = .87), and Disinhibition (α = .85). Moderator analyses indicated internal consistency differed minimally as a function of study characteristics, like gender, age, or the nature of the sample (i.e., forensic or community). Subsequent RG analyses were performed for McDonald's omega (k = 40), which yielded comparable internal consistency estimates. The results of this study provide strong evidence that the TriPM measures coherent, internally consistent constructs and thus could be a viable, cost-effective mechanism for measuring psychopathy across a broad range of samples.
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8
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Kimonis ER. The Emotionally Sensitive Child-Adverse Parenting Experiences-Allostatic (Over)Load (ESCAPE-AL) Model for the Development of Secondary Psychopathic Traits. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:1097-1114. [PMID: 37735279 PMCID: PMC10640461 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and treatment of antisocial behavior have improved through efforts to subtype individuals based on similar risk factors and outcomes. In particular, the presence of psychopathic traits is associated with distinct etiological factors and antisocial behavior that begins early in life, is aggressive, persistent, and less likely to normalize with traditional treatments, relative to individuals low on psychopathy or its childhood precursor, callous-unemotional (CU) traits. However, important distinctions can be made within individuals with CU/psychopathic traits according to the presence of elevated anxiety symptoms and/or adverse childhood experiences, known as secondary psychopathy/CU traits. This paper provides a broad and brief overview of theory and empirical literature supporting the existence of secondary psychopathy/CU variants as a distinct subtype of childhood antisocial behavior. It outlines the Emotionally Sensitive Child-Adverse Parenting Experiences-Allostatic (Over)Load (ESCAPE-AL) model for the developmental psychopathology of secondary psychopathic/CU traits and discusses research and theory supporting this perspective. Future research directions for testing this conceptual model and its implications for assessing and treating high-risk individuals with secondary CU/psychopathic traits are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva R Kimonis
- Parent-Child Research Clinic, School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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9
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Payot M, Monseur C, Stievenart M. Variants of Callous-unemotional traits in childhood: investigation of attachment profile and hostile attribution bias. Attach Hum Dev 2023; 25:566-582. [PMID: 37750612 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2023.2258604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of interest in describing two variants of CallousUnemotional (CU) traits based on high (secondary variant) or low (primary variant) levels of anxiety. However, studies are limited in childhood. The present study aimed to further the understanding of the variants, specifically in association with hostile attribution bias (HAB) and attachment. In a community sample of children aged 4 to 9 (N = 70), the study examined whether anxiety moderated the association of CU traits with HAB, secure and disorganized attachment representations. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that CU traits were positively associated with disorganized attachment, regardless of the anxiety level. In contrast, CU traits were not associated with secure attachment. A significant interaction revealed that CU traits were positively associated with HAB only at high levels of anxiety. Implications for understanding the variants of CU traits and hypotheses regarding their developmental trajectories are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Payot
- Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - C Monseur
- Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - M Stievenart
- Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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10
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Mendez B, Batky BD, Salekin RT. What is the Best Source of Information for Psychopathic Traits in Youth? A Review and Meta-analysis of Self- and Other-Reported Psychopathic Traits and Their Association with Negative Outcomes. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:805-823. [PMID: 37247025 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00438-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Child psychopathic traits appear to be associated with negative outcomes. Despite the study of youth psychopathy often relying on multiple reporters (e.g., child, caregivers, teachers), there is limited insight into how much information these various sources contribute and moreover, how this information is integrated. The present study sought to address this gap in the literature by examining the magnitude of relationships between self- and other-reported youth psychopathy and negative outcomes (e.g., delinquency, aggression) using a meta-analytic approach. Results revealed a moderate association between psychopathic traits and negative outcomes. Moderator analyses showed a greater relationship for other- than self-reported psychopathy, although not to a substantive extent. Results further indicated the magnitude of the overall psychopathy-negative outcomes association was stronger for externalizing than internalizing outcomes. Study findings can inform improvements in the assessment of youth psychopathy across research and practice, in addition to advancing our understanding of the utility of psychopathic traits in the prediction of clinically relevant outcomes. This review also provides guidance for future multisource raters and source-specific information in the study of psychopathy in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Mendez
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, 408 Gordon Palmer Hall, 505 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA.
| | - Blair D Batky
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, 408 Gordon Palmer Hall, 505 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
| | - Randall T Salekin
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, 408 Gordon Palmer Hall, 505 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
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Anderson SAS, Hawes DJ, Snow PC. Oral language skills, callous and unemotional traits and high-risk patterns of youth offending. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:1679-1689. [PMID: 35403912 PMCID: PMC10460331 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01980-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research has associated adolescent delinquent behavior with verbal deficits, yet for some subgroups of youth offenders better verbal ability has been associated with increased risk. This study examined associations between specific oral language skills and established markers of high-risk youth offending comprising callous and unemotional (CU) traits, early age of the first offence, and violent offending. Measures of language, CU traits, anxiety, as well as official youth justice data, were collected for adolescent male offenders and non-offenders (n = 130; aged 13-19 years; 62% youth offenders). Pragmatic language was found to be differentially associated with distinct variants of CU traits based on high/low levels of anxiety. Furthermore, among youth offenders with primary variant (low anxiety) CU traits, more violent offending was associated with better structural language skills, while earlier age of first offence was associated with better pragmatic language skills.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Hawes
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Pamela C Snow
- School of Education, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
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12
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Payot M, Monseur C, Stievenart M. Primary and Secondary Variants of Callous-Unemotional Traits in Early and Middle Childhood: Distinction, Evaluation and Empathic Differences. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01576-z. [PMID: 37552334 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Current literature demonstrates the relevance of considering two variants of CU traits based on high or low levels of anxiety. However, there is limited information about these variants in young community samples. The current study used cluster analyses to investigate the primary and the secondary variants of CU traits in two samples of children: preschool (N = 107; Mage = 4.95, SD = 0.62) and school-age (N = 153; Mage = 7.49, SD = 1.11). The identified clusters were compared on empathic dimensions, aggressive behavior and criteria from the "with limited prosocial emotions" specifier from the DSM-V. The primary variant was identified as early as preschool age while the secondary variant was only identified in the school-age sample. In this latter sample, the two variants did not differ on assessed variables, except for aggressive behavior. Despite the similarities between the two variants, these results suggest distinct developmental trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Payot
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Place des Orateurs, 1, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Christian Monseur
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Place des Orateurs, 1, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie Stievenart
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health & Education, University of Liege, Place des Orateurs, 1, 4000, Liège, Belgium
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13
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Fanti KA, Mavrommatis I, Colins O, Andershed H. Fearlessness as an Underlying Mechanism Leading to Conduct Problems: Testing the Intermediate Effects of Parenting, Anxiety, and callous-unemotional Traits. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023:10.1007/s10802-023-01076-7. [PMID: 37191864 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01076-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates whether the longitudinal association between fearlessness and conduct problems (CP) is mediated by warm and harsh parenting, parent-child conflict, anxiety, and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. The constructs under investigation were assessed at five different time points, spanning a period of eight years. A multi-informant approach was followed, collecting data from parents and teachers (N = 2,121; 47% girls). The structural equation model pointed to both direct and indirect pathways between fearlessness and CP. Specifically, findings suggested that Time 1 fearlessness (age 3-5 years) increased the likelihood of Time 2 (age 4-6 years) harsh parenting and Time 3 (age 5-7 years) parent-child conflict. Further, fearlessness was positively associated with Time 4 (age 8-10) callous-unemotional traits and Time 5 (age 11-13) CP. The total indirect effect from fearlessness to CP through these variables was significant, although the specific indirect effect from fearlessness to CU traits to CP accounted for most of the variance. Warm parenting and anxiety did not mediate the association between fearlessness and CP. In addition to the identified pathways connecting fearlessness to CP, findings pointed to the existence of multiple developmental pathways to future CP, as well as gender differences in longitudinal associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Fanti
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, Nicosia, CY, 1678, Cyprus.
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14
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Bachmann CJ, Humayun S, Stevens M, O'Connor TG, Scott S. Secure attachment predicts lower societal cost amongst severely antisocial adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:56. [PMID: 37161491 PMCID: PMC10170786 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social and economic costs associated with antisocial behaviour are well-established, but little is known about the potential costs savings/benefits of secure attachment in this high-risk group. We aimed to provide the first test of attachment quality as a distinct predictor of economic costs. METHODS 111 adolescents (10-17 years of age, M = 15.0, SD = 1.6; 71% male) referred to young offender services due to high levels of antisocial behaviour were included. Costs were measured by detailed service-use interview, and attachment security to mother and father elicited through the Child Attachment Interview. The level of antisocial behaviour and callous-unemotional traits were assessed. Cost predictors were calculated using generalised linear models. RESULTS Mean 12-months service costs were £5,368 (sd 5,769) per adolescent, with justice system and educational service costs being the main components. After adjusting for covariates, economic costs were predicted by attachment quality to fathers, with a difference of £2,655 per year between those with secure (£3,338) versus insecure attachment (£5,993); significant cost effects were not found for attachment quality to mothers. Higher levels of callous-unemotional traits, lower verbal IQ, higher levels of antisocial behaviour, and older age were also significant cost predictors. CONCLUSIONS Secure attachment to fathers is a predictor of reduced public cost in adolescents with severe antisocial behaviour. This novel finding for severely antisocial youth extends previous findings in less antisocial children and underscores the public health and policy benefits of good caregiving quality and the value of population-level dissemination of evidence-based interventions that improve caregiving quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Bachmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Sajid Humayun
- School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, Avery Hill, London, SE9 92UG, UK
| | - Madeleine Stevens
- London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box PSYCH, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Stephen Scott
- National Academy for Parenting Research, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box 86, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box 86, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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15
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Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies consistently indicate differences in emotion processing in youth with conduct problems. However, no prior meta-analysis has investigated emotion-specific responses associated with conduct problems. This meta-analysis aimed to generate an up-to-date assessment of socio-affective neural responding among youths with conduct problems. A systematic literature search was conducted in youths (ages 10-21) with conduct problems. Task-specific seed-based d mapping analyses examined responses to threatening images, fearful and angry facial expressions, and empathic pain stimuli from 23 fMRI studies, which included 606 youths with conduct problems and 459 comparison youths. Whole-brain analyses revealed youths with conduct problems relative to typically developing youths, when viewing angry facial expressions, had reduced activity in left supplementary motor area and superior frontal gyrus. Additional region of interest analyses of responses to negative images and fearful facial expressions showed reduced activation in right amygdala across youths with conduct problems. Youths with callous-unemotional traits also exhibited reduced activation in left fusiform gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus when viewing fearful facial expressions. Consistent with the behavioral profile of conduct problems, these findings suggest the most consistent dysfunction is found in regions associated with empathic responding and social learning, including the amygdala and temporal cortex. Youth with callous-unemotional traits also show reduced activation in the fusiform gyrus, consistent with reduced attention or facial processing. These findings highlight the potential role of empathic responding, social learning, and facial processing along with the associated brain regions as potential targets for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Berluti
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Montana L Ploe
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, DC, USA
| | - Abigail A Marsh
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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16
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Todorov JJ, Devine RT, De Brito SA. Association between childhood maltreatment and callous-unemotional traits in youth: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105049. [PMID: 36681371 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., lack of remorse or guilt, callous lack of empathy, deficient concern for the feelings of others) in youth with conduct problems confer risk for a particularly severe and persistent form of antisocial behaviour. Previous research has linked childhood maltreatment as a potential risk factor for CU traits, both primary (i.e., genetically underpinned) and secondary (i.e., environmentally influenced) variants, but findings have been inconsistent, and the association has not yet been tested in a meta-analysis. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the nature and strength of the associations between childhood maltreatment and its subtypes with CU traits and potential variants (i.e., primary and secondary CU traits). A systematic search identified 29 eligible studies including 9,894 participants (42% female) between the ages of 3 and 18 years (Mage=14.22 years, SD = 1.07). Results revealed a significant moderate positive association between childhood maltreatment and CU traits. All subtypes of maltreatment bar sexual abuse were significantly associated with CU traits. However, it was not possible to compare primary and secondary CU traits directly due to inconsistencies in how they are defined. The limitations posed by current research signal the need for clinical and operational guidelines on how to define primary and secondary CU traits. Additionally, prospective longitudinal, genetically informed research is needed to clarify if maltreatment is a causal risk factor for CU traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Todorov
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK.
| | - Rory T Devine
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephane A De Brito
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK.
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17
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Trajectories of Psychopathic Traits, Anxiety, and Violence Exposure Differentially Predict Antisociality in Legal System-Involved Youth. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:833-845. [PMID: 36729263 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Psychopathic traits are associated with several forms of antisociality, including criminal offending, legal system involvement, and substance use. Some research suggests that primary (high psychopathic traits, low negative emotions) versus secondary (high psychopathic traits, high negative emotions and/or negative experiences and environments) variants confer different levels of risk for antisociality. However, research has not examined trajectories of co-occurring fluctuations in psychopathic traits, negative emotions, and negative experiences and environments or how trajectory membership relates to antisociality. We implemented group-based multi-trajectory modeling in a sample of 809 justice-involved male (n = 681) and female (n = 128) youth from the Pathways to Desistance Study to address these gaps. We identified four trajectories of co-occurring change in psychopathic traits, anxiety, and violence exposure spanning three years: Low (low levels of each factor); Moderate Psychopathic Traits, High Negative Emotions and Experiences (moderate-decreasing psychopathic traits and high-decreasing anxiety/violence exposure); Potential Primary Psychopathic Traits (elevated-decreasing psychopathic traits, moderate-decreasing anxiety, moderate-stable violence exposure); and High/Secondary Psychopathic Traits (high-stable psychopathic traits, elevated-stable anxiety, high-decreasing violence exposure). Compared to the Low trajectory, all trajectories predicted greater violent crime and substance use three and four years later. Additionally, compared to the Low trajectory, the Potential Primary Psychopathic Traits trajectory predicted more nonviolent offending three years later. Finally, the High/Secondary Psychopathic Traits trajectory showed the most persistent antisociality, predicting more nonviolent crime, higher substance dependence symptoms, and higher likelihood of arrest three and four years later. Youth with co-occurring high psychopathic traits, anxiety, and violence exposure appear most at risk for severe antisociality.
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18
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Goulter N, Craig SG, McMahon RJ. Primary and secondary callous-unemotional traits in adolescence are associated with distinct maladaptive and adaptive outcomes in adulthood. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:274-289. [PMID: 34009113 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421000481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
While phenotypically indistinguishable with respect to callousness, individuals with primary and secondary callous-unemotional (CU) traits may show different developmental outcomes. This research predominantly comprised cross-sectional studies of male participants with a focus on maladaptive correlates. Thus, the present study examined whether youth with primary and secondary CU traits identified in Grade 7 reported distinct maladaptive outcomes (internalizing, externalizing, and substance use problems; criminal offenses; and sexual and partner experiences) and adaptive outcomes (health and wellbeing, education, and employment) in adulthood at age 25. We also examined sex differences. Participants included the high-risk control and normative samples from the Fast Track project (N = 754, male = 58%, Black = 46%). Youth with secondary CU traits reported higher levels of adult internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, a greater number of sexual partners and risky sexual behavior, and a greater number of violent offenses, compared with individuals with primary CU traits and those with low CU and anxiety symptoms. Conversely, youth with primary CU traits and low symptoms had higher wellbeing and happiness scores than those with secondary CU traits. Finally, there was differentiation on outcomes between female primary and secondary CU variants and male primary and secondary CU variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Goulter
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephanie G Craig
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert J McMahon
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Associations between callous-unemotional traits and psychopathology in a sample of adolescent females. JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN ACADEMY OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY = JOURNAL DE L'ACADEMIE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE DE L'ENFANT ET DE L'ADOLESCENT 2023; 32:14-26. [PMID: 36776930 PMCID: PMC9879033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Callous-unemotional (CU) traits (e.g., lack of empathy and guilt, deficient affect) have been associated with severe and persistent patterns of conduct problems and antisocial behaviour as well as with poorer treatment outcomes. They are now a specifier to the diagnosis of conduct disorder. Objective To examine the associations between CU traits and a wide set of psychopathological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, conduct disorder) in a sample of adolescent females. Method 200 adolescent females (M = 15.55 years, SD = 1.64) recruited from French high schools located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (n = 150) and from units/resources managed by the Montreal Youth Center (n = 50) self-reported on their levels of CU traits and psychopathological symptoms. Results Participants recruited from high schools, compared to their counterparts from the youth center, had lower scores on most of the scales and subscales of CU traits and psychopathology. The total score of CU traits as well as the callousness-uncaring dimension were correlated with externalizing symptoms for the participants from the schools and from the youth center. However, the total score of CU traits as well as the unemotional dimension were correlated with internalizing symptoms especially among participants from the schools. Conclusions Our analyses revealed differences in the patterns of associations depending on the subscales of CU traits and across sample types (i.e., school subsample versus youth center subsample), which should be considered in the assessment of psychopathology in these populations.
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Halty L, Caperos JM. Anxiety as a differentiating variable in emotional recognition in juvenile offenders with high callous-unemotional traits. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2023; 33:22-32. [PMID: 36722366 PMCID: PMC10108285 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of so-called callous-unemotional (CU) traits-lack of remorse/empathy, callous use of others and shallow/deficient affect-defines an important subgroup of children and adolescents with more severe and stable antisocial behaviours over time and may be a precursor to so-called psychopathy in adults. There are two main hypotheses to account for such traits, one emphasising deficits in recognition of specific emotions-the distress specific-and the other in aspects of facial recognition-the attention to the eyes hypothesis, but it may be that the manifestation of deficits is affected by the person's own emotional state. AIMS To test the effect of anxiety scores on emotion recognition among young people high scoring for CU traits. METHODS 14- to 21-year-olds serving sentences in youth justice institutions across Spain were invited to participate. Only those scoring above the cut-off on the Kimonis Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits were included. Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Emotion recognition was assessed using the Emotional Face and Emotional Gaze Tasks. RESULTS Of 91 (90% male) eligible participants, 53 had above threshold anxiety scores. The latter group recognised the emotional expressions of sadness, anger and fear earlier than their non-anxious peers, both when only the eye region was presented and when full faces were presented. There was less difference between groups in the case of the emotions of disgust and happiness, with both groups recognising these emotions earlier and more accurately when a full face was presented. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that 14- to 21-year old who struggle with callous emotional traits should not be treated as a homogenous group but that testing for other relevant problems, including anxiety, may inform optimal routes to the emotion recognition training that is likely to help them relate to others more prosocially.
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21
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Everett VS, Drabick DAG. Community Violence Exposure and Generalized Anxiety Symptoms: Do Callous-Unemotional Behaviors Moderate this Relation Among Urban Youth? Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:87-102. [PMID: 36306004 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00973-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Community violence exposure (CVE; i.e., direct victimization and witnessed violence) is a major public health concern among youth who reside in low income, urban neighborhoods, who tend to experience CVE chronically and disproportionately. Frequent CVE is associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms, such as persistent or excessive worry and difficulty concentrating. However, not all youth experiencing CVE exhibit such symptoms. One understudied factor that may moderate this relation is callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors (e.g., behaviors consistent with lack of guilt, low levels of empathy). CU behaviors are associated with lower levels of responsiveness to contextual processes; as such, CU behaviors may be associated with lower levels of GAD symptoms in the context of CVE. However, little research considers CU behaviors and GAD symptoms concurrently. To address this gap, the present study examined associations among witnessed and direct CVE, CU behaviors, and GAD symptoms among low-income, urban youth (N = 104, 50% male, Mage = 9.93 ± 1.22 years old, 95% African-American/Black). Multiple regression analyses indicated teacher-reported CU behaviors moderated the relations between CVE and caregiver-reported GAD symptoms. Post-hoc probing revealed that among youth with higher levels of CVE, higher levels of CU behaviors were associated with elevated GAD symptoms compared to their peers with lower levels of CU behaviors. Youth with lower levels of CU behaviors evidenced moderate levels of GAD symptoms regardless of their levels of CVE. Thus, low-income, urban youth who experience elevated levels of CVE may be at increased risk for co-occurring GAD and CU symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie S Everett
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall 1701 N 13th Street, 19122-6011, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Deborah A G Drabick
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall 1701 N 13th Street, 19122-6011, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Jiang Y, Gao Y, Dong D, Sun X, Situ W, Yao S. Structural abnormalities in adolescents with conduct disorder and high versus low callous unemotional traits. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:193-203. [PMID: 34635947 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01890-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There may be distinct conduct disorder (CD) etiologies and neural morphologies in adolescents with high callous unemotional (CU) traits versus low CU traits. Here, we employed surface-based morphometry methods to investigate morphological differences in adolescents diagnosed with CD [42 with high CU traits (CD-HCU) and 40 with low CU traits (CD-LCU)] and healthy controls (HCs, N = 115) in China. Whole-brain analyses revealed significantly increased cortical surface area (SA) in the left inferior temporal cortex and the right precuneus, but decreased SA in the left superior temporal cortex in the CD-LCU group, compared with the HC group. There were no significant cortical SA differences between the CD-HCU and the HC groups. Compared to the CD-HCU group, the CD-LCU group had a greater cortical thickness (CT) in the left rostral middle frontal cortex. Region-of-interest analyses revealed significant group differences in the right hippocampus, with CD-HCU group having lower right hippocampal volumes than HCs. We did not detect significant group differences in the amygdalar volume, however, the right amygdalar volume was found to be a significant moderator of the correlation between CU traits and the proactive aggression in CD patients. The present results suggested that the manifestations of CD differ between those with high CU traits versus low CU traits, and underscore the importance of sample characteristics in understanding the neural substrates of CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yidian Gao
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Daifeng Dong
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiang Sun
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijun Situ
- Department of Radiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuqiao Yao
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
- National Clinical Research Center on Psychiatry and Psychology, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
- Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Kilshaw RE, Kerig PK, Baucom BRW. Vocally-Encoded Emotional Arousal as a Marker of Callous-Unemotional Traits in a Sample of Justice-Involved Adolescents. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2022:10.1007/s10578-022-01486-6. [PMID: 36572843 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01486-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are associated with severe and persistent juvenile offending. CU traits are also associated with dampened emotional arousal, which suggests that fundamental frequency (f0), a measure of vocally-encoded emotional arousal, may serve as an accessible psychophysiological marker of CU traits in youth. This study investigated the associations between f0 range measured during an emotionally evocative task, CU traits, and emotion dysregulation in a mixed-gender sample of 168 justice-involved youth. For boys, after controlling for covariates, wider f0 range-indicating greater emotional arousal-was negatively associated with CU traits and positively associated with emotion dysregulation. For girls, no significant associations with f0 range emerged; however, CU traits were positively associated with emotion dysregulation. Findings suggest that f0 range may serve as a valid indicator of CU traits in JJ-involved boys, and that detained boys and girls with high CU traits are characterized by different profiles of emotion dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn E Kilshaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 S 1530 E BEH S 502, UT, 84112, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - Patricia K Kerig
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Brian R W Baucom
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
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24
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Smith R, Chuning AE, Tidwell CA, Allen JJB, Lane RD. Psychopathic tendencies are selectively associated with reduced emotional awareness in the context of early adversity. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277475. [PMID: 36548297 PMCID: PMC9778717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is unclear at present whether psychopathic tendencies are associated with lower or higher levels of emotional awareness (EA). Given that psychopathy includes a proficiency for manipulating others, one might expect an elevated ability to identify and use information about others' emotions. On the other hand, empathic deficits in psychopathy could arise from reduced emotional awareness. Further, heterogeneity in psychopathy may also play a role, wherein 'secondary' psychopathy is associated with early adversity and high negative affect, while 'primary' psychopathy is not. In this paper, we tested the relationship between EA and psychopathic tendencies in 177 undergraduate students (40 males) who completed the levels of emotional awareness scale (LEAS), the triarchic psychopathy measure (TPM), the affective (empathy-related) subscales of the interpersonal reactivity index (IRI), and two measures of early adversity: the childhood experiences of care and abuse questionnaire (CECA) and the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ). We found that lower LEAS scores were associated with higher TPM and lower IRI empathy scores, but these relationships were primarily present in those with early adversity and high negative affect. This suggests that lower EA may be selectively associated with higher levels of secondary psychopathy, while those with higher levels of primary psychopathy remain capable of higher EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Smith
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anne E. Chuning
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Colin A. Tidwell
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - John J. B. Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Richard D. Lane
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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25
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Pederson CA, Griffith RL, Nowalis S, Fite PJ. Creating profiles of juvenile offenders using functions of aggression and callous-unemotional traits: relations to crime type. PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND LAW : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW 2022; 30:713-736. [PMID: 37744648 PMCID: PMC10512917 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2022.2116609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
A rich line of criminological theories and research has suggested that individual characteristics may be important to predicting criminal activity. However, there is limited research examining how individual characteristics may be related to the type of crime committed (e.g. violent, sex, drug). To provide guidance to these questions, the current set of two studies used latent profile analysis to identify groups of offenders based on individual factors (i.e. proactive and reactive aggression, and callous-unemotional traits), chosen for their interrelatedness and their established associations with crime, and examined whether these groups relate to type, severity or the number of crimes committed across two studies. In both studies, four groups of offenders were identified, but these groups were not associated with offending behaviors or patterns. Findings and implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey A. Pederson
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics Adolescent, Behavioral Health Research Program, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Sarah Nowalis
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Paula J. Fite
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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26
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Michielsen PJS, Habra MMJ, Endendijk JJ, Bouter DC, Grootendorst-van Mil NH, Hoogendijk WJG, Roza SJ. Callous-unemotional traits and anxiety in adolescents: a latent profile analysis to identify different types of antisocial behavior in a high-risk community sample. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:58. [PMID: 35854316 PMCID: PMC9297635 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are associated with a more severe and chronic trajectory of antisocial behavior. The present study aimed to identify different classes of CU and anxiety and to compare these classes on overt and covert antisocial behavior and several clinical correlates. METHOD In a prospective high-risk cohort of adolescents (N = 679; mean age = 14.77, SD = 0.81), latent profile analysis was conducted using CU traits and anxiety symptoms as indicators, and multi-informant aggressive and rule breaking behavior as distal outcomes. Post-hoc analyses with binary logistic regression and a series of ANCOVA were performed on identified classes assessing violent aggression, property offending, and clinical correlates. RESULTS Three classes were found, a reference group (low CU, low anxiety; N = 500), a high CU-low anxiety group (N = 98), and an intermediate CU-high anxious group (N = 81). The high CU-low anxiety group scored highest on property offenses, while the intermediate CU-high anxious group scored highest on aggressive behavior. The intermediate CU-high anxious group scored highest on psychotic experiences, while the high CU group scored highest on internet gaming addiction problems and bullying victimization. CONCLUSION These findings provide further evidence for diverse variants of CU traits in a high-risk community sample. Future prospective studies should point out whether and to what extent adolescents with CU traits with and without anxiety develop criminal careers and psychiatric disorders in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J S Michielsen
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands
- Mental Health Institute, GGZ Westelijk Noord-Brabant, Halsteren, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike M J Habra
- Forensic Outpatient Center Breda, Fivoor, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce J Endendijk
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Diandra C Bouter
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands
| | - Nina H Grootendorst-van Mil
- Department of Psychiatry, Epidemiological and Social Psychiatric Research Institute (ESPRi), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Witte J G Hoogendijk
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine J Roza
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands.
- Netherlands Institute for Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, The Hague, The Netherlands.
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Pueyo N, Navarro JB, De La Osa N, Penelo E, Ezpeleta L. Describing Callous Unemotional Traits and Stressful Life Event Trajectories: Differences on Risk Factors and Mental Health Outcomes from the Age of 3 to 10. THE SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 25:e17. [PMID: 35499095 DOI: 10.1017/sjp.2022.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Callous Unemotional (CU) traits are associated with different environmental risk factors, such as negative stressful life events (SLE). The most common studied SLE associated with CU trait has been childhood maltreatment, but less is known about how other SLE impact the development of CU traits. Therefore, this work examines risk factors, personal factors (executive functioning), and mental health outcomes associated with the trajectories of Callous Unemotional (CU) traits and Stressful Life Events (SLE) in a community sample of children. A cohort of 377 preschoolers were followed up between ages 3 and 10. Several risk factors and outcomes for three trajectory groups (high CU/SLE; high CU/low SLE; and the reference group with low CU/SLE) were analyzed by using multiple post-hoc comparisons. We hypothesized that children with high CU/SLE would face more contextual risk factors, more executive functioning difficulties and more mental health problems than children with high CU/low SLE or the reference group. At the age of 3, children who showed high CU/SLE faced more early contextual adversity, including socioeconomic difficulties and maternal antisocial behavior than the other groups of children. At the age of 10, children with high CU/SLE presented more peer problems and higher psychopathology symptoms than the reference group, but no differences on mental health outcomes in comparison to the high CU/low SLE group. These results have potential implications for clinical practice and studies attempting to identify different CU subtypes in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eva Penelo
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain)
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Latent Profile Analysis of Psychopathy in Chinese Female Offenders. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-022-09958-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abstract
Research on psychopathy has progressed considerably in recent years against the backdrop of important advances in the broader field of clinical psychological science. My major aim in this review is to encourage integration of investigative work on dispositional, biobehavioral, and developmental aspects of psychopathy with counterpart work on general psychopathology. Using the triarchic model of psychopathy as a frame of reference, I offer perspective on long-standing debates pertaining to the conceptualization and assessment of psychopathy, discuss how dispositional facets of psychopathy relate to subdimensions of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, and summarize findings from contemporary biobehavioral and developmental research on psychopathy. I conclude by describing a systematic strategy for coordinating biobehavioral-developmental research on psychopathy that can enable it to be informed by, and help inform, ongoing research on mental health problems more broadly. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Volume 18 is May 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Rosa-Justicia M, Saam MC, Flamarique I, Borràs R, Naaijen J, Dietrich A, Hoekstra PJ, Banaschewski T, Aggensteiner P, Craig MC, Sethi A, Santosh P, Sagar-Ouriaghli I, Arango C, Penzol MJ, Brandeis D, Werhahn JE, Glennon JC, Franke B, Zwiers MP, Buitelaar JK, Schulze UME, Castro-Fornieles J. Subgrouping children and adolescents with disruptive behaviors: symptom profiles and the role of callous-unemotional traits. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:51-66. [PMID: 33147348 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01662-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Disruptive behavior during childhood and adolescence is heterogeneous and associated with several psychiatric disorders. The identification of more homogeneous subgroups might help identify different underlying pathways and tailor treatment strategies. Children and adolescents (aged 8-18) with disruptive behaviors (N = 121) and healthy controls (N = 100) were included in a European multi-center cognition and brain imaging study. They were assessed via a battery of standardized semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. K-means cluster-model analysis was carried out to identify subgroups within the group with disruptive behaviors, based on clinical symptom profiles, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and proactive and reactive aggression. The resulting subgroups were then compared to healthy controls with regard to these clinical variables. Three distinct subgroups were found within the group with disruptive behaviors. The High CU Traits subgroup presented elevated scores for CU traits, proactive aggression and conduct disorder (CD) symptoms, as well as a higher proportion of comorbidities (CD + oppositional defiant disorder + attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The ADHD and Affective Dysregulation subgroup showed elevated scores for internalizing and ADHD symptoms, as well as a higher proportion of females. The Low Severity subgroup had relatively low levels of psychopathology and aggressive behavior compared to the other two subgroups. The High CU Traits subgroup displayed more antisocial behaviors than the Low Severity subgroup, but did not differ when compared to the ADHD and Affective Dysregulation subgroup. All three subgroups differed significantly from the healthy controls in all the variables analyzed. The present study extends previous findings on subgrouping children and adolescents with disruptive behaviors using a multidimensional approach and describes levels of anxiety, affective problems, ADHD, proactive aggression and CU traits as key factors that differentiate conclusively between subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Rosa-Justicia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinic Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Melanie C Saam
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Itziar Flamarique
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinic Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 2017SGR881, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger Borràs
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinic Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jilly Naaijen
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Dietrich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Groningen Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J Hoekstra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Groningen Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Pascal Aggensteiner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael C Craig
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Arjun Sethi
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Ilyas Sagar-Ouriaghli
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Celso Arango
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Penzol
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Brandeis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Groningen Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia E Werhahn
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel P Zwiers
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike M E Schulze
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Josefina Castro-Fornieles
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinic Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 2017SGR881, University of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.
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Primary and Secondary Variants of Psychopathic Traits in at-Risk Youth: Links with Maltreatment, Aggression, and Empathy. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 52:1060-1070. [PMID: 33099658 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined whether two variants of psychopathic traits (PT) were identifiable in high-risk youth who had not yet been identified as antisocial, some of whom had documented histories of maltreatment (N = 167, Mage = 14.84), and then whether the variants differed in levels of aggression and empathy. High-PT youth with low anxiety and trauma (i.e., primary variant PT) and high anxiety and trauma (i.e., secondary variant PT) were differentiated. The secondary variant group was comprised largely of youth with documented histories of maltreatment. This group of youth also reported higher levels of proactive and reactive aggression than did the primary variant youth and low-PT youth. All youth reported similar levels of affective empathy and only small differences in cognitive empathy emerged: Primary variant youth reported lower cognitive empathy than low-PT youth. Findings support generalization of two variant groups of youth with psychopathic traits to diverse, high-risk samples not already identified as antisocial and have important implications for policy and practice.
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Joyner B, Beaver KM. Examining the potential link between child maltreatment and callous-unemotional traits in children and adolescents: A multilevel analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 122:105327. [PMID: 34534846 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a great deal of research indicating that callous-unemotional traits in childhood are among the strongest predictors of adult psychopathy and psychopathic traits. As a result, there has been a recent surge of studies examining potential risk factors that may be related to the development of callous-unemotional traits. OBJECTIVE The current study sought to extend prior research examining potential risk factors for the development of callous-unemotional traits by estimating the extent to which child maltreatment related to callous-unemotional traits in children and adolescents. PARTICIPANTS To do so, the study uses a longitudinal sample of 4579 male and female youths drawn from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW I) across four waves of data. Data collection ran from November 1999 to December 2006. METHODS A series of multilevel random-effects models were estimated in order to examine the association between child maltreatment and callous-unemotional traits. RESULTS The results of the analyses revealed a significant association between child maltreatment and callous-unemotional traits across all the models. Additionally, our models demonstrated that the association between child maltreatment and callous-unemotional traits may be dependent upon the biological sex of the individual with child maltreatment having a stronger effect on males than females (β = 0.15*). CONCLUSIONS Overall, our analyses lend support to prior research examining child maltreatment as a risk factor for the development of callous-unemotional traits in youth. We conclude by discussing the implications of our study and considerations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Joyner
- College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, 112 S Copeland St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA.
| | - Kevin M Beaver
- College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, 112 S Copeland St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; Prince Mishaal bin Majed bin Abdul Aziz Center for Social and Humanities Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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O'Kearney R, Chng RY, Salmon K. Callous-Unemotional Features are Associated with Emotion Recognition Impairments in Young ODD Children with Low but not High Affective Arousal. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 52:869-879. [PMID: 32996006 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01070-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing support for the distinction between primary and secondary variants of callous-unemotional features in children with disruptive behavioural disorders, evidence about whether emotion recognition deficits are only characteristic of primary CU is inconclusive. We tested whether, in young children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD; N = 74), level of affective arousal moderated the association between CU and performance on behavioural measures of emotional abilities. The association between CU and emotion recognition abilities was dependent on the child's level of affective arousal with higher CU associated with poorer emotion recognition abilities for ODD children with lower affective arousal (r = - 0.49; p = .007) but not for those with higher levels (r = 0.03; p = .838). Our results replicate recent findings and give support to the notion that the primary CU variant is characterised emotionally by under arousal of affect, low affect dysregulation and impaired emotion recognition abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard O'Kearney
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia.
| | - Ren Ying Chng
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia
| | - Karen Salmon
- School of Psychology, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Falcón AK, Dobbins AE, Stickle TR. Gendered associations among callous-unemotional traits, emotion regulation, and antisocial behavior. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Barrau V, López-Romero L, Bosch R, Torrubia R, Casas M, Molinuevo B. Further Validation of the Spanish Parent-Reported Child Problematic Traits Inventory: Discriminant Validity for Distinguishing Children Vulnerable to Externalizing and Other Psychopathology Conditions. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-021-09921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bidirectional Effects Between Callous-Unemotional Traits and Student-Teacher Relationship Quality Among Middle School Students. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 48:277-288. [PMID: 31705349 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-019-00595-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the bidirectional effects between callous-unemotional (i.e., CU) traits, student-teacher relationship quality, and bonds with school. A sample of 301 middle school students (156 girls; M age = 12.96 years, SD = 0.94) completed the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits and the Student-Teacher Relationship Questionnaire, along with measures of both externalizing and internalizing problems, both in the first and second part of the school year (i.e., a time frame of 6 months). They also completed a peer-nominated measure of social preference within their peer group at the beginning of the school year. Results from a cross-lagged panel model suggested that, controlling for measures of both externalizing and internalizing problems, levels of affiliation with teachers were negatively related to levels of CU traits in students with low levels of social preference among peers. Moreover, a synergistic effect of high levels of both bonds with school and social preference emerged in predicting lower levels of CU traits. Similar results emerged with regard to externalizing problems, over and above the role of CU traits and internalizing problems. No effects of CU traits predicting student-teacher relationship quality emerged. Overall, the findings highlighted the teachers' role as emotion socializers and role models for the students who can promote students' emotional and relational prosperity over the development of maladaptive outcomes, including CU traits. They also stressed the importance of considering multiple environmental determinants in examining the pathways to CU traits, suggesting the need to integrate and expand previous research on parenting.
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Impaired global efficiency in boys with conduct disorder and high callous unemotional traits. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 138:560-568. [PMID: 33991994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Callous unemotional (CU) traits differentiate subtypes of conduct disorder (CD). It has been suggested that CU traits may be related to topographical irregularities that hinder information integration. To date, there is limited evidence of whether CU traits may be associated with abnormal brain topology. In this study, 43 CD boys with high and low CU trait (CD-HCU, CD-LCU), and 46 healthy controls (HCs) were subjected to resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate how CU trait level and conduct problems may be reflected in topological organization. Brain functional networks were constructed and network/nodal properties, including small-world properties and network/nodal efficiency, were calculated. Topological analysis revealed that, compared with HCs, CD-HCU group were characterized by decreased small-worldness (σ), decreased global efficiency, and increased path length (λ). These variables were similar between the CD-LCU and HC groups. Self-reported CU traits in CD patients correlated negatively with global efficiency and positively with λ. Regional analysis revealed diminished nodal efficiency in the right amygdala in the CD-HCU group compared with HCs. The present results suggest that disrupted global efficiency, together with a regional abnormality affecting the amygdala, may contribute to abnormal information processing and integration in adolescents with CD and high CU traits.
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Chang CL, Liu TL, Hsiao RC, Yang P, Chen YL, Yen CF. Callous-Unemotional Traits among Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or Typical Development: Differences between Adolescents' and Parents' Views. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18083972. [PMID: 33918812 PMCID: PMC8069479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study examined parent-adolescent agreement on the callous, uncaring, and unemotional dimensions of callous-unemotional (CU) traits and the differences in adolescent-reported and parent-reported CU traits among 126 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 207 adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 203 typically developing (TD) adolescents. Adolescent-reported and parent-reported CU traits on the three dimensions of the Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits were obtained. The strength of CU traits and the differences between adolescent-reported and parent-reported traits were compared among the three groups using analysis of covariance. Parent-adolescent agreement was examined using intraclass correlation. The results reveal that both adolescent-reported and parent-reported callousness and uncaring traits in the ASD and ADHD groups were significantly stronger than those in the TD group. Parent-adolescent agreement on the uncaring trait was fair across the three groups, whereas that on callousness was poor across all three groups. Parent-adolescent agreement on unemotionality was fair in the TD group but poor in the ADHD and ASD groups. ASD and ADHD groups had significantly greater differences in scores reported by parents and adolescents on the callousness trait than the TD group. The parent-adolescent score differences in the uncaring trait were also larger in the ASD group than in the TD group. Thus, these results support the application of a multi-informant approach in CU trait assessment, especially for adolescents with ASD or ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Lin Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (T.-L.L.); (P.Y.)
| | - Tai-Ling Liu
- School of Medicine, and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (T.-L.L.); (P.Y.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ray C. Hsiao
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-6560, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Pinchen Yang
- School of Medicine, and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (T.-L.L.); (P.Y.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-L.C.); (C.-F.Y.); Tel.: +886-4-2332-3456 (ext. 20106) (Y.-L.C.); +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 6822) (C.-F.Y.); Fax: +886-4-2332-1206 (Y.-L.C.); +886-7-313-4761 (C.-F.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- School of Medicine, and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (T.-L.L.); (P.Y.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-L.C.); (C.-F.Y.); Tel.: +886-4-2332-3456 (ext. 20106) (Y.-L.C.); +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 6822) (C.-F.Y.); Fax: +886-4-2332-1206 (Y.-L.C.); +886-7-313-4761 (C.-F.Y.)
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Bégin V, Déry M, Le Corff Y. Variants of Psychopathic Traits Follow Distinct Trajectories of Clinical Features Among Children with Conduct Problems. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:775-788. [PMID: 33502717 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00775-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Original definitions of psychopathy suggest the existence of two variants that present with distinct clinical features among antisocial adults, but whether these clinical differences originate early in life or emerge at some point during childhood remains uncertain. We examined if primary and secondary variants follow distinct developmental trajectories of theoretically relevant clinical features among children with conduct problems (CP). Participants were 370 children (40.3% girls) with CP initially aged 8.49 years old in average (s.d. = 0.93). Variants indicators (callous-unemotional [CU] traits and anxiety [ANX]) and clinical features were measured at six yearly assessments. A dual trajectory modelling approach was used to identify groups and group memberships were entered in conditional growth models predicting trajectories of clinical features. Four groups were identified: CP-only, anxious (CP + ANX), primary (CP + CU), and secondary (CP + CU + ANX). Both variants showed higher initial levels of impairment than the CP-only group on most features. Compared to the primary variant, membership to the secondary variant was associated with more stable patterns of CP, oppositional problems, narcissism-grandiosity and impulsivity-irresponsibility traits. Moreover, children from the secondary variant showed higher initial levels of impairment in terms of cognitive abilities, depression, victimization, and dependency to teachers, with non-significant effects on the slope parameters suggesting that these early differences persist across development. In addition to showing distinct clinical features relatively early in childhood, children from the secondary variant of psychopathic traits are at high risk of experiencing an increasing psychopathological burden across childhood. The early identification and treatment of these children therefore appears particularly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Bégin
- Groupe de recherche et d'intervention sur les adaptations sociales de l'enfance (GRISE), Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada. .,Département de psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.
| | - Michèle Déry
- Groupe de recherche et d'intervention sur les adaptations sociales de l'enfance (GRISE), Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.,Département de psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Yann Le Corff
- Groupe de recherche et d'intervention sur les adaptations sociales de l'enfance (GRISE), Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.,Département d'orientation professionnelle, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.,Département de psychiatrie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
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Multiple developmental pathways underlying conduct problems: A multitrajectory framework. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 34:1115-1124. [PMID: 33336631 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420001650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, there has been an overemphasis of a descriptive/behavioral approach to study conduct disorder. In an equifinal perspective, we aimed to examine the developmental multitrajectory groups of psychological features (irritability, interpersonal callousness, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and depressive-anxiety symptoms) and their associations with conduct problems. In a population-based cohort (n = 1,309 participants followed from 5 months to 17 years old), latent-class growth analysis was performed for each psychological feature to identify a two-trajectory model (from ages 6 to 12 years). Based on parameter estimates of the two-trajectory models for each of the four psychological features, a parallel process growth mixture model identified eight significant developmental patterns that were subsequently compared with typically developing children. Furthermore, we observed that while interpersonal callousness conferred an increased risk for childhood and adolescence conduct problems, its co-occurrence with hyperactivity/impulsivity, irritability, and/or depressive-anxiety symptoms heightened the general risk, but also predicted distinct subtypes of conduct problems (i.e., aggressive and rule-breaking behaviors). Thus, by studying complex developmental combinations of psychological features, we observed qualitatively distinct pathways towards conduct problems. A multitrajectory framework of psychological features should be considered as a significant step towards unveiling the multiple etiological pathways leading to conduct disorder and its substantial clinical heterogeneity.
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Abstract
Childhood conduct disorders, a serious mental health concern, put children at risk for significant mental health problems throughout development. Elevations on callous-unemotional (CU) traits designate a subgroup of youth with conduct disorders who have unique causal processes underlying their problem behavior and are at a particularly high risk for serious impairment relative to others with these disorders. As a result, these traits have recently been integrated into major diagnostic classification systems for conduct disorders. Given that CU traits are partly defined by deficits in empathy, we review research on empathy development in typically developing children and use this research to (a) advance theories on the specific emotional deficits that may be associated with CU traits, (b) explain the severe pattern of aggressive behavior displayed by children with elevated CU traits, and (c) suggest possible ways to enhance prevention and treatment for children with conduct disorders and elevated CU traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Frick
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA; , .,Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane 4001, Australia
| | - Emily C Kemp
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA; ,
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Leveraging parasympathetic nervous system activity to study risk for psychopathology: The special case of callous-unemotional traits. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:175-185. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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43
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A Systematic Review of Primary and Secondary Callous-Unemotional Traits and Psychopathy Variants in Youth. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2020; 24:65-91. [PMID: 33079293 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-020-00329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Two variants of callous-unemotional (CU) traits and psychopathy have been proposed, referred to as primary and secondary. Whereas primary variants are thought to be underpinned by insufficient arousal to emotional cues, secondary variants are thought to develop as a coping mechanism in response to trauma exposure. Compared with adult samples, research on primary and secondary variants in children and adolescents under the age of 18 has only emerged in the past decade, and there is ongoing debate with regards to the identification, defining characteristics, and distinct correlates of these variants. The present systematic review synthesizes the current literature on primary and secondary variants in relation to: (1) constructs used to distinguish and define primary and secondary variants; (2) study population characteristics; (3) data analytic techniques to differentiate variants; and (4) differential associations with theoretically relevant indices related to emotional processing, maltreatment, biomarkers, and behavioral outcomes (e.g., substance use, aggression). This is the first systematic review to examine the growing literature on primary and secondary CU and psychopathy variants among youth. Findings support the distinction between youth with primary versus secondary variants and demonstrate that this distinction is related to unique clinical correlates. Recommendations are made for future research in the field.
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Robertson EL, Frick PJ, Walker TM, Kemp EC, Ray JV, Thornton LC, Wall Myers TD, Steinberg L, Cauffman E. Callous-Unemotional Traits and Risk of Gun Carrying and Use During Crime. Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:827-833. [PMID: 32539529 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19080861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With the addition of the "with limited prosocial emotions" specifier within the diagnosis of conduct disorder (DSM-5) and of conduct-dissocial disorder (ICD-11) to designate those with elevated callous-unemotional traits, the authors examined the role that callous-unemotional traits play in the risk for gun carrying and gun use during a crime in a sample at high risk for gun violence. METHODS Male juvenile offenders (N=1,215) from three regions of the United States were assessed after their first arrest and then reassessed every 6 months for 36 months and again at 48 months. Callous-unemotional traits and peer gun carrying and ownership were measured via self-report after the first arrest (i.e., baseline). Gun carrying and use of a gun during a crime were self-reported at all follow-up points. RESULTS Callous-unemotional traits at baseline increased the frequency of gun carrying and the likelihood of using a gun during a crime across the subsequent 4 years after accounting for other risk factors. Furthermore, callous-unemotional traits moderated the relationship between peer gun carrying and ownership and participant gun carrying, such that only participants low on callous-unemotional traits demonstrated increased gun carrying as a function of their peers' gun carrying and ownership. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the importance of considering callous-unemotional traits in gun violence research both because callous-unemotional traits increase gun carrying and use in adolescents and because the traits may moderate other key risk factors. Notably, the influence of peer gun carrying and ownership may have been underestimated in past research for the majority of adolescents by not considering the moderating influence of callous-unemotional traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Robertson
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Robertson, Frick, Walker, Kemp); Learning Science Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne (Frick); Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando (Ray); Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge (Thornton); Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Wall Myers); Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia (Steinberg); King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Steinberg); Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine (Cauffman)
| | - Paul J Frick
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Robertson, Frick, Walker, Kemp); Learning Science Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne (Frick); Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando (Ray); Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge (Thornton); Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Wall Myers); Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia (Steinberg); King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Steinberg); Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine (Cauffman)
| | - Toni M Walker
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Robertson, Frick, Walker, Kemp); Learning Science Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne (Frick); Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando (Ray); Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge (Thornton); Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Wall Myers); Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia (Steinberg); King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Steinberg); Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine (Cauffman)
| | - Emily C Kemp
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Robertson, Frick, Walker, Kemp); Learning Science Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne (Frick); Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando (Ray); Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge (Thornton); Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Wall Myers); Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia (Steinberg); King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Steinberg); Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine (Cauffman)
| | - James V Ray
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Robertson, Frick, Walker, Kemp); Learning Science Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne (Frick); Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando (Ray); Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge (Thornton); Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Wall Myers); Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia (Steinberg); King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Steinberg); Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine (Cauffman)
| | - Laura C Thornton
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Robertson, Frick, Walker, Kemp); Learning Science Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne (Frick); Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando (Ray); Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge (Thornton); Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Wall Myers); Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia (Steinberg); King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Steinberg); Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine (Cauffman)
| | - Tina D Wall Myers
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Robertson, Frick, Walker, Kemp); Learning Science Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne (Frick); Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando (Ray); Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge (Thornton); Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Wall Myers); Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia (Steinberg); King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Steinberg); Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine (Cauffman)
| | - Laurence Steinberg
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Robertson, Frick, Walker, Kemp); Learning Science Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne (Frick); Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando (Ray); Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge (Thornton); Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Wall Myers); Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia (Steinberg); King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Steinberg); Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine (Cauffman)
| | - Elizabeth Cauffman
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Robertson, Frick, Walker, Kemp); Learning Science Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne (Frick); Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando (Ray); Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge (Thornton); Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Wall Myers); Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia (Steinberg); King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Steinberg); Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine (Cauffman)
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Huang J, Fan L, Lin K, Wang Y. Variants of Children with Psychopathic Tendencies in a Community Sample. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2020; 51:563-571. [PMID: 31707524 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-019-00939-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the heterogeneity of children with psychopathic tendencies, this study identified heterogenous subgroups among a community sample of children based on their callous-unemotional (CU) traits, conduct problems (CP), and anxiety. A latent profile analysis classified 1861 primary school students (age 6-14) into four subgroups based on parent-report CU traits, CP and anxiety: low-risk children (i.e., low in CU traits, CP, and anxiety), anxious children (i.e., high in anxiety, low in CU traits and CP), primary variants of children with psychopathic tendencies (i.e., high in CU traits and CP, low in anxiety), and secondary variants of children with psychopathic tendencies (i.e., high in CU traits, CP, and anxiety). In particular, the secondary variants evidenced higher levels of CU traits, CP, and anxiety than the primary variants. Our findings extend the heterogeneity of psychopathy to childhood and encourage future research to examine the developmental trajectories of psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Huang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kexiu Lin
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuyin Wang
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Adolescent-Parent Agreement on Callous-Unemotional Traits in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113888. [PMID: 32486294 PMCID: PMC7312037 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the levels of agreement between the reports of 207 adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their parents regarding the adolescents' callous-unemotional (CU) traits and investigated the factors influencing adolescent-parent agreement. Adolescent-parent agreement about CU traits in three dimensions according to the Chinese version of the Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits was examined. The influence of demographic characteristics, comorbid conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and ADHD symptoms on adolescent-parent agreement was also examined. The results indicated that adolescent-parent agreement on the CU trait of uncaringness was moderate, whereas agreement on the CU traits of callousness and unemotionality was poor. Adolescent-parent agreement on the three dimensions of CU traits varied depending on the adolescents' sex and comorbid CD and ODD symptoms as well as parental age. Therefore, multiple sources of information are required when assessing the severity of CU traits in adolescents with ADHD. The factors influencing the levels of the agreement should also be considered.
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Lee‐Rowland LM, Lui JHL, Bortfeld D, Barry CT, Reiter S. Internalizing problems and their impact on the relation between callous-unemotional traits, narcissism, and aggression. Aggress Behav 2020; 46:278-286. [PMID: 32147859 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Narcissism and callous-unemotional (CU) traits have demonstrated relations with youth aggression across studies. However, different forms of narcissism and internalizing problems may exacerbate the relation between CU traits and aggression. To that end, the current study examined the degree to which interactions among internalizing problems, CU traits, and dimensions of narcissism related to aggression in a sample of 219 adolescents (83.1% males), ages 16-19, enrolled in a military-style residential program. Consistent with previous research, psychopathy-linked narcissism significantly moderated the relation between CU traits and aggression. Addtionally, self-reported aggression was highest among adolescents who endorsed high levels of CU traits, psychopathy-linked narcissism, and internalizing problems. The same pattern of results was not evident for other forms of narcissism. These results suggest that internalizing problems further increase the probability of aggression among adolescents with psychopathic tendencies (i.e., CU traits, psychopathy-linked narcissism). Further implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Lee‐Rowland
- Department of PsychologyThe University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg Mississippi
| | - Joyce H. L. Lui
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of California at Los AngelesLos Angeles California
| | - Devon Bortfeld
- Department of PsychologyWashington State UniversityPullman Washington
| | | | - Shari Reiter
- Department of PsychologyWashington State UniversityPullman Washington
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Waller R, Hawes SW, Byrd AL, Dick AS, Sutherland MT, Riedel MC, Tobia MJ, Bottenhorn KL, Laird AR, Gonzalez R. Disruptive Behavior Problems, Callous-Unemotional Traits, and Regional Gray Matter Volume in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:481-489. [PMID: 32144045 PMCID: PMC7214118 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurobiological differences linked to socioemotional and cognitive processing are well documented in youths with disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs), especially youths with callous-unemotional (CU) traits. The current study expanded this literature by examining gray matter volume (GMV) differences among youths with DBD with CU traits (DBDCU+), youths with DBD without CU traits (DBD-only), and youths that were typically developing (TD). METHODS Data were from the first full sample release of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study (mean age = 9.49 years; 49% female). We tested whether the GMVs of 11 regions of interest selected a priori differentiated between our 3 groups: DBDCU+ (n = 288), DBD-only (n = 362), and TD (n = 915). Models accounted for demographic confounders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intracranial volume. We examined two potential moderators of the relationship between GMVs and group membership: sex and clinically significant anxiety (i.e., primary vs. secondary CU traits subtype). RESULTS Youths in the DBDCU+ group had lower right amygdala GMV, and youths in the DBD-only group had lower bilateral amygdala GMV relative to TD youths. Youths in the DBDCU+ group had lower bilateral hippocampal GMV, and youths in the DBD-only group had lower left hippocampal GMV relative to TD youths. Youths in the DBDCU+ group evidenced lower left insula GMV relative to TD youths. Finally, youths in the DBD-only group had lower left superior frontal gyrus and lower right caudal anterior cingulate cortex GMVs relative to TD youths. There was no moderation of associations between GMV and group membership by sex. CONCLUSIONS Our findings implicate structural aberrations in both the amygdala and hippocampus in the etiology of DBDs, with minimal evidence for differences based on the presence or absence of CU traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Samuel W Hawes
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Amy L Byrd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anthony S Dick
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Michael C Riedel
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Michael J Tobia
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Angela R Laird
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Raul Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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49
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Cardinale EM. Parsing Comorbidity: The Challenge of Studying Neurobiological Correlates of Callous-Unemotional Traits. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:470-472. [PMID: 32386684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elise M Cardinale
- Emotion and Development Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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50
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Szabó E, Halász J, Morgan A, Demetrovics Z, Kökönyei G. Callous-unemotional traits and the attentional bias towards emotional stimuli: Testing the moderating role of emotional and behavioural problems among high-risk adolescents. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 25:156-173. [PMID: 30648434 DOI: 10.1177/1359104518822690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Former studies demonstrated that antisocial youth with callous-unemotional (CU) traits are impaired in the processing of negative emotional stimuli. The aim of the current study was to explore the moderating role of different behavioural (i.e. conduct problems, hyperactivity-inattention) and emotional problems (i.e. internalizing symptoms) in the relationship between CU traits and attentional bias towards emotional stimuli. Besides using self-report measures, attentional bias was tested by an affective dot-probe task in a high-risk sample of 102 adolescent boys (M age = 16.34 years; SD = 1.32). CU traits were related to reduced attention to emotionally distressing pictures. Furthermore, conduct problems significantly moderated the relationship between CU traits and attention to distress cues. These findings highlight the importance of considering potential moderators to the well-established link between CU traits and deficits in response to negative emotional cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Szabó
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.,Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.,MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - József Halász
- Vadaskert Child Psychiatry Hospital, Hungary.,Alba Regia University Centre, Óbuda University, Hungary
| | - Antony Morgan
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
| | | | - Gyöngyi Kökönyei
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.,SE-NAP 2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Hungary.,Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Hungary
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