Leveraging parasympathetic nervous system activity to study risk for psychopathology: The special case of callous-unemotional traits

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Wagner ◽  
Rebecca Waller
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Child Psychopathology ◽  
Parasympathetic Nervous System ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Externalizing Psychopathology ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are implicated in the development of severe and persistent antisocial behavior, and appear to arise from distinct behavioral, temperament, physiological, and neural risk factors to other types of externalizing psychopathology. Although existing etiological models have attempted to characterize specific mechanisms underlying the emergence of CU traits, prior empirical work is plagued by a host of inconsistent results. This inconsistency is particularly apparent in research that has investigated variation in physiological functioning, arousal, and reactivity. In this review, we summarize and evaluate studies that have examined the role of parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) functioning in child psychopathology, including studies of CU traits. We argue that the inclusion of measures of PNS activity can significantly enhance our understanding of the etiology of CU traits, provide clarity to the inconsistent findings of prior studies, and advance mechanistically-targeted interventions and treatments. We conclude the review by providing foundational and testable hypotheses about the role that disrupted PNS functioning could play in multiple pathways to CU traits beginning in infancy and across development.

Primary and secondary callous–unemotional traits in adolescence are associated with distinct maladaptive and adaptive outcomes in adulthood

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Natalie Goulter ◽  
Stephanie G. Craig ◽  
Robert J. McMahon
Keyword(s):  
Risky Sexual Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Externalizing Psychopathology ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Criminal Offenses ◽  
Number Of Sexual Partners ◽  
Education And Employment ◽  
Violent Offenses

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.

Callous-unemotional Traits: Verhaltensprobleme und prosoziales Verhalten bei Kindergartenkindern

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ute Koglin ◽  
Franz Petermann
Keyword(s):  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Antisocial Process Screening Device ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Prosoziales Verhalten ◽  
Unemotional Traits ◽  
Screening Device

Callous-unemotional Traits (CU-Traits) stellen in der emotionalen Entwicklung Abweichungen dar, wie mangelnde Empathie oder ein oberflächlicher Affekt und gehören zu den Kernmerkmalen der Psychopathy. Aus einer entwicklungspsychopathologischen Sichtweise wird in der vorliegenden Studie untersucht, ob diese affektiven Merkmale bereits bei Kindern im Kindergartenalter zu identifizieren sind und sie mit Verhaltensproblemen, besonders mit externalisierenden Verhaltensproblemen, im Zusammenhang stehen. Anhand einer Stichprobe mit 311 Kindern (durchschnittlich 5;0 Jahre) wird die Anzahl der Kinder mit Callous-unemotional-Traits (CU-Traits), erfasst mit dem „Antisocial Process Screening Device“ (APSD), identifiziert. Es werden quer- und längsschnittliche Zusammenhange zwischen CU-Traits und Erlebens- und Verhaltensprobleme (SDQ) dargestellt. 23,3 % der Kinder weisen erhöhte Werte auf der Skala CU-Traits auf. Jüngere Kinder erreichen höhere Werte, so dass normative Entwicklungseinflüsse nahe gelegt werden. Es zeigen sich eindeutige Beziehungen zwischen CU-Traits und Verhaltensproblemen sowie negative Korrelationen zu prosozialem Verhalten. In der längsschnittlichen Analyse über ein Jahr erweisen sich CU-Traits als Prädiktor für Verhaltensprobleme. Ein spezifischer Zusammenhang zwischen aggressivem Verhalten und CU-Traits kann nicht aufgezeigt werden. CU-Traits stehen besonders mit einem Defizit prosozialen Verhaltens in Verbindung. Es wird diskutiert, ob CU-Traits bei jungen Kindern dazu geeignet sind, aggressive Kinder frühzeitig zu identifizieren.

scholarly journals Callous-unemotional traits in Chinese preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinsong Zhang ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Huifeng Zhang ◽  
Amanda Wilson ◽  
Lan Shuai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Incremental Validity ◽  
Behavioural Problems ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Oppositional Defiant ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits

Abstract Background Children with early onset of Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits are at a higher risk for long-term, persistent psychosocial problems. The current study aimed to explore the characteristics of CU in preschool children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the diagnostic significance of CU traits in ADHD. Methods A total of 176 preschool children (89 with ADHD and 87 Typically Developing Children [TDC]) aged 4–5 years old were recruited to the study. The participants were assessed for CU traits, emotional and behavioral problems, and how their executive functioning was associated with ADHD using multiple assessment scales. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the incremental validity of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), adjusting for possible covariates by child’s sex, conduct problems, and oppositional defiant symptoms. Results The results showed that there was a significant difference of ICU scores between the ADHD and TDC groups (F = 30.12, P < 0.001). In terms of callousness, ADHD + Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) group showed a significant high score, and the ADHD only group scored significantly higher than the TDC group (F = 20.42, P < 0.001). The ICU was negatively associated with the prosocial behaviour subscale (γ = − 0.57, P < 0.01) and showed low to moderate positive correlations with emotional and behavioural problems, as well as executive function (γ = 0.24–0.67, P < 0.05). The ICU scores explained 6% of the incremental validity in ADHD symptoms. The diagnostic value of the ICU for ADHD was medium and acceptable. Conclusions The current study indicated that early identification of CU traits may help clinicians better understand symptoms and behavioural problems in children with ADHD. CU traits therefore could be considered as a useful assessment tool for ADHD.

scholarly journals Parasympathetic nervous system activity and children's sleep

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona El-Sheikh ◽  
Stephen A. Erath ◽  
Erika J. Bagley
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Parasympathetic Nervous System ◽  
System Activity ◽  
Nervous System Activity ◽  
Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity ◽  
Children’S Sleep

scholarly journals Growth Models of Positive Caregiving Behaviours and Concurrent Autonomic 
Activity in Caregivers and Children during a Challenging Puzzle Task: Replication and Extension

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Barkman ◽  
Ashley Allan ◽  
Marlee Salsbury ◽  
Erik L Knight ◽  
Christina Karns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Parasympathetic Nervous System ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Multilevel Modelling ◽  
Emotional Expressions ◽  
Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Positive Caregiving ◽  
Puzzle Task

Caregivers exhibiting low levels of positive caregiving tend to have reduced dynamic range in high- frequency heart rate variability (HRV), an index of parasympathetic nervous system activity. Yet less is known about the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system, which may impact the plausible range of parasympathetic reactivity. Here, caregiver–child dyads completed resting assessments of HRV and pre-ejection period (PEP), followed by a videotaped puzzle task during which HRV was measured and observers coded the degree of caregivers’ positive emotionality. Multilevel modelling was employed to characterize task fluctuations in HRV as a function of resting PEP and caregivers’ positive emotional expressions. Higher frequency of caregiver positivity was associated with greater HRV reactivity in caregivers but not children. Increased caregiver positivity was correlated with longer resting PEP in children. These results replicate findings of greater caregiver parasympathetic flexibility during positive caregiving and extend those findings to children’s resting sympathetic activity.

Exploring Empathy and Callous–Unemotional Traits as Predictors of Animal Abuse Perpetrated by Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (12) ◽  
pp. 2419-2437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christie Hartman ◽  
Tina Hageman ◽  
James Herbert Williams ◽  
Jason St. Mary ◽  
Frank R. Ascione
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Cognitive Empathy ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Affective Empathy ◽  
Animal Abuse ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Unemotional Traits

We explored the relation between empathy, callous–unemotional (CU) traits, and animal abuse in a sample of 290 seven- to twelve-year-old children whose mothers were exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). The sample comprises mostly Latino and White participants, and 55% of the children’s mothers were born outside the United States (primarily Mexico). To our knowledge, among studies examining child-perpetrated animal abuse, this study is the first to examine empathy levels and one of only a few to examine CU traits. When comparing Griffith Empathy Measure (empathy) and Inventory of Callous–Unemotional Traits (callous–unemotional [CU] traits) scores with those from studies of White schoolchildren, our sample scored lower on affective empathy, higher on cognitive empathy, and lower for overall CU scores as well as Callous and Unemotional subscales. Of 290 children, 47 (16.2%) harmed an animal at least once according to either mother or child report. There were no significant sex or age differences between Abuse and No Abuse groups. The Abuse group scored significantly higher on affective empathy, CU, and Callousness/Unemotional subscales, and significantly lower on cognitive empathy. However, in regression analyses that controlled for income, only lower cognitive empathy and higher CU significantly predicted having abused an animal. In summary, low cognitive empathy (but not affective empathy) and CU traits may serve as reliable predictors of child animal abuse. However, replication of these results is necessary. A larger sample with a high percentage of Latino children whose mothers were exposed to IPV, along with a non-exposed comparison group, would be ideal.

The Associations Among Callous-Unemotional Traits, Worry, and Aggression in Justice-Involved Adolescent Boys

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 671-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily L. Robertson ◽  
Paul J. Frick ◽  
James V. Ray ◽  
Laura C. Thornton ◽  
Tina D. Wall Myers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Offenders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Additive Effects ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Violence Severity ◽  
Violent Offenses ◽  
First Time ◽  
Official Records

Previous research has reported that elevations on both callous-unemotional (CU) traits and anxiety (measured as trait worry) among adolescents are associated with a particularly severe pattern of aggressive behavior. In the current study, we tested whether elevated trait worry would add only to the prediction of less severe and reactive aggression assessed by self-report but not to more severe violence, proactive aggression, and official records of violent arrests. First-time male juvenile offenders ( N = 1,216) were assessed at 6-month intervals for 30 months. Contrary to predictions, our analyses found both CU traits and worry independently predicted self-reported violent offenses (regardless of violence severity) and aggression (both proactive and reactive) across 30 months after their first arrest. However, when using arrest records, only CU traits were associated with violent offenses. This suggests that the additive effects of anxiety and worry in predicting risk for later violence may be limited to self-report.

Executive Functioning, Reward/Punishment Sensitivity, and Conduct Problems in Boys With Callous-Unemotional Traits

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (13) ◽  
pp. 4008-4023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelien Platje ◽  
Stephan C. J. Huijbregts ◽  
Stephanie H. M. van Goozen ◽  
Arne Popma ◽  
Maaike Cima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Conduct Problems ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Punishment Sensitivity ◽  
Reward Responsivity ◽  
General Community ◽  
Reward And Punishment

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are thought to characterize children exhibiting persistent and severe conduct problems (CPs). Reward and punishment sensitivity have often been investigated, yet executive function problems have mostly been studied in adults. Moreover, the level of co-occurring CPs is important to take into account. Therefore, the current study investigated differences in reward responsivity, punishment sensitivity, and executive functioning (EF) between four subgroups of general community boys ( N = 346, Mage = 14.01 years, SD = 1.19): high CU/high CP, low CU/high CP, high CU/low CP, and low CU/low CP. Boys with high CU/high CP showed significantly more EF problems, but similar reward and punishment sensitivity as low CU/high CP boys. Boys with high CU/low CP did not differ from low CU/low CP boys. Severity of executive function problems appears to distinguish boys who show a combination of CU-traits and CPs from boys with CPs alone.

scholarly journals Music Attenuated a Decrease in Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity after Exercise

PLoS ONE ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e0148648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiantian Jia ◽  
Yoshiko Ogawa ◽  
Misa Miura ◽  
Osamu Ito ◽  
Masahiro Kohzuki
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Parasympathetic Nervous System ◽  
System Activity ◽  
Nervous System Activity ◽  
Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity
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