Stellwagen KK, Kerig PK. Relation of callous-unemotional traits to length of stay among youth hospitalized at a state psychiatric inpatient facility.
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2010;
41:251-61. [PMID:
19949974 DOI:
10.1007/s10578-009-0164-7]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We examined the association of callous-unemotional (C/U) traits with length of psychiatric hospitalization among two samples each with 50 participants: a group of 7-11 year-olds (39 males and 11 females) receiving services on a children's unit, and a group of 12-17 year-olds (27 males and 23 females) receiving services on an adolescent unit. Our analyses focused on the additionally predictive value of C/U traits above and beyond the influence of pre-established risk factors for length of stay, including age, gender, ethnicity, overall levels of functioning and psychopathology, and the diagnosis of a Conduct Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder. In both samples, hierarchic regression analyses indicated that C/U traits were associated with longer lengths of stay, whereas none of the previously identified risk factors were significant. The discussion of these results focuses on the importance of developing non-coercive and non-confrontational therapeutic treatment regimens for youth with C/U traits receiving inpatient psychiatric services.
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