scholarly journals Callous-Unemotional Traits Moderate the Relationship Between Irritability and Threatening Responding

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ru Zhang ◽  
Johannah Bashford-Largo ◽  
Jennie Lukoff ◽  
Jaimie Elowsky ◽  
Erin Carollo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Bold Response ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Lingual Gyrus ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Threat Processing ◽  
Human Faces ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Irritability and callous-unemotional (CU; reduced guilt/empathy) traits vary dimensionally in the typically developing population but may be particularly marked in youth with conduct disorder (CD). While these dimensional traits are positively correlated, they have been associated with divergent forms of dysfunction, particularly with respect to threat processing (i.e., irritability with increased, and CU traits with decreased, threat responsiveness). This suggests that interactions between these two dimensions may be complex at the neurobiological level. However, this issue has received minimal empirical attention.Methods: The study included 105 adolescents (typically developing and cases with CD; N = 59). They were scanned with fMRI during a looming threat task that involved images of threatening and neutral human faces or animals that appeared to be either looming or receding.Results: Significant irritability-by-CU traits-by-Direction-by-Emotion interactions were seen within right thalamus/PAG, left lingual gyrus and right fusiform gyrus; irritability was positively associated with the BOLD response for Looming Threatening vs. Receding Threatening trials, particularly for youth with low CU traits. In contrast, CU traits were negatively associated with the same differential BOLD response but particularly for youth showing higher levels of irritability. Similar findings were seen within left ventral anterior and posterior cingulate cortices, though the addition of the interaction with CU traits was only seen at slightly more lenient thresholds.Conclusions: The results support previous work linking irritability to increased, and CU traits to reduced, threat responsiveness. However, for adolescents with high irritability, if CU traits are also high, the underlying neuropathology appears to relate to reduced, rather than increased, threat responsiveness.

scholarly journals Positive and negative parenting in conduct disorder with high versus low levels of callous–unemotional traits

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Ruth Pauli ◽  
Peter Tino ◽  
Jack C. Rogers ◽  
Rosalind Baker ◽  
Roberta Clanton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conduct Disorder ◽  
Positive Parenting ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Negative Parenting ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Learning Classifier ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Generalized Matrix ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Less is known about the relationship between conduct disorder (CD), callous–unemotional (CU) traits, and positive and negative parenting in youth compared to early childhood. We combined traditional univariate analyses with a novel machine learning classifier (Angle-based Generalized Matrix Learning Vector Quantization) to classify youth (N = 756; 9–18 years) into typically developing (TD) or CD groups with or without elevated CU traits (CD/HCU, CD/LCU, respectively) using youth- and parent-reports of parenting behavior. At the group level, both CD/HCU and CD/LCU were associated with high negative and low positive parenting relative to TD. However, only positive parenting differed between the CD/HCU and CD/LCU groups. In classification analyses, performance was best when distinguishing CD/HCU from TD groups and poorest when distinguishing CD/HCU from CD/LCU groups. Positive and negative parenting were both relevant when distinguishing CD/HCU from TD, negative parenting was most relevant when distinguishing between CD/LCU and TD, and positive parenting was most relevant when distinguishing CD/HCU from CD/LCU groups. These findings suggest that while positive parenting distinguishes between CD/HCU and CD/LCU, negative parenting is associated with both CD subtypes. These results highlight the importance of considering multiple parenting behaviors in CD with varying levels of CU traits in late childhood/adolescence.

Childhood Maltreatment and Adolescent Cyberbullying Perpetration: A Moderated Mediation Model of Callous—Unemotional Traits and Perceived Social Support

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052096010
Author(s):  
Jie Fang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Gao ◽  
Jiping Yang ◽  
Xingchao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Childhood Maltreatment ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Moderated Mediation Model ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
The Relationship

Although childhood maltreatment has been shown to play an important role in adolescent cyberbullying perpetration, little is known about mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship. The current study investigated the mediating role of callous-unemotional (CU) traits in the association between childhood maltreatment and adolescent cyberbullying perpetration, as well as the moderating role of perceived social support. A total of 2,407 Chinese adolescents (aged 11–16 years, Mage = 12.75 years, SD = 0.58) completed the measures of childhood maltreatment, CU traits, cyberbullying perpetration, and perceived social support. The results showed that CU traits partially mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and adolescent cyberbullying perpetration. Furthermore, perceived social support moderated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and CU traits, as well as CU traits and cyberbullying perpetration. Specifically, childhood maltreatment had a greater impact on CU traits for adolescents with higher levels of perceived social support and the predictive function of CU traits on cyberbullying perpetration was stronger for adolescents with low levels of perceived social support.

Maladaptive Fearlessness: An Examination of the Association Between Subjective Fear Experience and Antisocial Behaviors Linked With Callous Unemotional Traits

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise M. Cardinale ◽  
Rebecca M. Ryan ◽  
Abigail A. Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Antisocial Behavior ◽  
Real World ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Antisocial Behaviors ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Unemotional Traits ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Relationship

The centrality of a fearless temperament as it relates to the construct of psychopathy remains an area of controversy, with some researchers arguing that the relationship between fearless temperament and psychopathy (and associated antisocial behavior) can be explained by shared associations with other core affective and interpersonal traits of psychopathy such as callous-unemotional (CU) traits. The authors investigated real-world subjectively experienced fear in 306 individuals with varying levels of CU traits and antisocial behavior and found that at low levels of subjective fear experience, decreases in subjective fear were associated with greater antisociality. Even after controlling for the positive relationship between CU traits and antisocial behavior, reduced subjectively experienced fear remained a significant predictor of antisocial behavior. These results provide evidence that experienced fear is related to antisocial behavior at lower than average levels of subjectively experienced fear and that this relationship persists after controlling for CU traits.

Divergent Amygdala Volume Asymmetries for Male and Female Youth With High Versus Low Callous-Unemotional Traits

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (10) ◽  
pp. 1419-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shichun Ling ◽  
Adrian Raine ◽  
Rebecca E. Waller ◽  
Kosha Ruparel ◽  
James Loughead ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Brain Imaging ◽  
Imaging Study ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Amygdala Volume ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Brain Imaging Study

Although callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been associated with amygdala hypoactivity, it is unclear whether such traits are associated with amygdala structure. This study examines the relationship between amygdala structure and CU traits and considers sex differences in hemisphere-related asymmetries in this relationship. In this brain imaging study of children ( n = 272), a significant sex × hemisphere × CU traits interaction was observed. Females with high CU traits and males with low CU exhibited a rightward exaggerated amygdala volume asymmetry, whereas females with low CU traits and males with high CU traits did not. Findings may reflect sex-related influences related to CU traits and amygdala volume and are broadly consistent with a neurodevelopment perspective on psychopathic-like traits in children.

scholarly journals Dysfunction in differential reward-punishment responsiveness in conduct disorder relates to severity of callous-unemotional traits but not irritability

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ru Zhang ◽  
Joseph Aloi ◽  
Sahil Bajaj ◽  
Johannah Bashford-Largo ◽  
Jennie Lukoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Conduct Disorder ◽  
Passive Avoidance ◽  
Avoidance Task ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Affective Traits ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Differential Reward

Abstract Background Conduct disorder (CD) has been associated with dysfunction in reinforcement-based decision-making. Two forms of affective traits that reflect the components of CD severity are callous-unemotional (CU; reduced guilt/empathy) traits and irritability. The form of the reinforcement-based decision-making dysfunction with respect to CD and CU traits remains debated and has not been examined with respect to irritability in cases with CD. The goals of the current study were to determine the extent of dysfunction in differential (reward v. punishment) responsiveness in CD, and CU traits and irritability in participants with CD. Methods The study involved 178 adolescents [typically developing (TD; N = 77) and cases with CD (N = 101)]. Participants were scanned with fMRI during a passive avoidance task that required participants to learn to respond to (i.e. approach) stimuli that engender reward and refrain from responding to (i.e. passively avoid) stimuli that engender punishment. Results Adolescents with CD showed reduced differential reward-punishment responsiveness within the striatum relative to TD adolescents. CU traits, but not irritability, were associated with reduced differential reward-punishment responsiveness within the striatum, rostromedial, and lateral frontal cortices. Conclusions The results suggest CD is associated with reduced differential reward-punishment responsiveness and the extent of this dysfunction in participants with CD is associated with the severity of CU traits but not irritability.

scholarly journals The Relation of Callous–Unemotional Traits and Bullying in Early Adolescence Is Independent from Sex and Age and Moderated by Conduct Problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1059
Author(s):  
Gennaro Catone ◽  
Luisa Almerico ◽  
Anna Pezzella ◽  
Maria Pia Riccio ◽  
Carmela Bravaccio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conduct Problems ◽  
Early Adolescence ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Traditional Bullying ◽  
Bullying Perpetration ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits ◽  
Specific Association ◽  
The Relationship

In youths, callous–unemotional (CU) traits and conduct problems (CP) are independently associated with bullying perpetration and these effects are also observed when controlling for sex. Moreover, research indicates that the co-existence of high levels of both CU and CP further increase the risk. Although several studies have examined the relationship between CU traits and traditional bullying, few have also included a measure of cyberbullying and very few of them have focused the early adolescence. The aim of this study was to replicate and extend these findings in a large sample of Italian early adolescents considering both traditional and cyberbullying behaviors. Data were extracted from the Bullying and Youth Mental Health Naples study (BYMHNS) which included 2959 students of 10–15 years of age. CP, CU traits, traditional bullying behaviors, and cyberbullying behaviors were assessed by multi-item self-report scales. As expected, we replicated the significant and specific association between CU traits and traditional bullying, extending the findings to cyberbullying. In addition, in the latter case the effect was moderated by CP. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results were discussed.

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 Violence inhibition mechanism functioning mediates the relationship between dietary eicosapentaenoic acid intake and physical aggression

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean Fido
Keyword(s):  
Eicosapentaenoic Acid ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Physical Aggression ◽  
Inhibition Mechanism ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
P Deficiency ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Aggression Questionnaire ◽  
The Relationship

Deficiency in long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is implicated in aggression and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. A violence inhibition mechanism (VIM) has been proposed to regulate aggression through responding to expressions of distress. However, it remains unclear whether EPA intake is related to the VIM, and if so, whether this pathway can mediate relationships between EPA intake and deviant personality traits. The current investigation documents two, independently-sampled studies that tested relationships between EPA intake, personality (aggression, CU traits), and electrophysiological indices of the VIM (motor extinction cued by facial expressions of distress). In study one, 98 participants completed a food-frequency questionnaire, the inventory of callous-unemotional traits, and an aggression questionnaire. EPA intake was negatively correlated with physical aggression, even after controlling for age and sex. In study two, 47 participants completed the same measures in addition to having electroencephalography recorded during a novel paradigm assessing the distinct processing stages of the VIM. Stop-P300 (motor extinction) responses to facial expressions of distress mediated the relationship between EPA intake and physical aggression. For the first time, we have evidenced an association between EPA intake and indices of distress-induced motor extinction proficiency. Findings are in line with a proposed role of EPA in regulating aggression, possibly through associations with networks involved in distress-cued executive control over behaviour. Results are discussed in terms of the potential benefit of nutritional supplementation in clinical and forensic arenas. Data and a pre-print of this manuscript are available here: https://osf.io/u3jdc/?view_only=b7f32cd1798344b5a6dffa2892253392

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