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Díaz-Vázquez B, López-Romero L, Romero E. Emotion Recognition Deficits in Children and Adolescents with Psychopathic Traits: A Systematic Review. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2024; 27:165-219. [PMID: 38240937 PMCID: PMC10920463 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00466-z] [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: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Children and adolescents with psychopathic traits show deficits in emotion recognition, but there is no consensus as to the extent of their generalizability or about the variables that may be moderating the process. The present Systematic Review brings together the existing scientific corpus on the subject and attempts to answer these questions through an exhaustive review of the existing literature according to PRISMA 2020 statement. Results confirmed the existence of pervasive deficits in emotion recognition and, more specifically, on distress emotions (e.g., fear), a deficit that transcends all modalities of emotion presentation and all emotional stimuli used. Moreover, they supported the key role of attention to relevant areas that provide emotional cues (e.g., eye-region) and point out differences according to the presence of disruptive behavior and based on the psychopathy dimension examined. This evidence could advance the current knowledge on developmental models of psychopathic traits. Yet, homogenization of the conditions of research in this area should be prioritized to be able to draw more robust and generalizable conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Díaz-Vázquez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Facultade de Psicoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura López-Romero
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Facultade de Psicoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Estrella Romero
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Facultade de Psicoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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2
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Perlstein S, Wagner N, Domínguez-Álvarez B, Gómez-Fraguela JA, Romero E, Lopez-Romero L, Waller R. Psychometric Properties, Factor Structure, and Validity of the Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward Scale in Children and Adults. Assessment 2023; 30:1914-1934. [PMID: 36245403 PMCID: PMC10687739 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221128946] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits identify children at high risk of antisocial behavior. A recent theoretical model proposed that CU traits arise from low sensitivity to threat and affiliation. To assess these dimensions, we developed the parent- and self-reported Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward Scale (STARS) and tested its psychometric properties, factor structure, and construct validity. Samples 1 (N =3 03; age 3-10; United States) and 2 (N = 854 age 5-9; Spain) were children and Sample 3 was 514 young adults (Mage = 19.89; United States). In Sample 1, differential item functioning and item response theory techniques were used to identify the best-performing items from a 64-item pool, resulting in 28 items that functioned equivalently across age and gender. Factor analysis indicated acceptable fit for the theorized two-factor structure with separate threat and affiliation factors in all three samples, which showed predictive validity in relation to CU traits in children and psychopathic traits in young adults.
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3
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Kimonis ER, Le B, Fleming GE, Kyranides MN, Demetriou CA, Fanti KA, Neo B, Prasad AH, Chan A, Hawes DJ, Eapen V. Facial reactions to emotional films in young children with conduct problems and varying levels of callous-unemotional traits. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:357-366. [PMID: 36124731 PMCID: PMC10086822 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits have proven useful for identifying a distinct subgroup of children whose conduct problems (CP) are early emerging, severe, persistent, and underpinned by aberrant emotional processing. The early childhood emotional experiences and expressions of CP subtypes are poorly understood, despite their importance to understanding the problematic attachments and atypical social affiliation experienced by children with elevated CU traits. The current study aimed to test for differences in facial emotional reactions to mood-inducing film clips in children with CP and varying levels of CU traits. METHOD We compared facial emotional reactions during a developmentally appropriate mood induction task in a mixed-sex sample of clinic-referred preschool children (Mage = 3.64 years, SD = 0.63, 66.9% male) classified as CP with elevated levels of CU traits (CP + CU; n = 25) versus low CU traits (CP-only; n = 47), and typically developing children (TD; n = 28). RESULTS Relative to TD children, children with clinical CP showed less congruent and more incongruent facial emotional expressions to sad and happy film clips, controlling for child sex, age, and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with older samples, young children with CP show atypical facial emotional expressions in response to positive and negative emotional stimuli. Findings have implications for developmental models of childhood antisocial behavior and can inform the development of targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva R. Kimonis
- School of PsychologyUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Brandon Le
- School of PsychologyUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Melina N. Kyranides
- Department of Clinical and Health PsychologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | | | | | - Bryan Neo
- School of PsychologyUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ashneeta H. Prasad
- School of PsychologyUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Amanda Chan
- School of PsychologyUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David J. Hawes
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of PsychiatryUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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4
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Powell T, Plate RC, Miron CD, Wagner NJ, Waller R. Callous-unemotional Traits and Emotion Recognition Difficulties: Do Stimulus Characteristics Play a role? Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01510-3. [PMID: 36811753 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01510-3] [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: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Emotion recognition difficulties are linked to callous-unemotional (CU) traits, which predict risk for severe antisocial behavior. However, few studies have investigated how stimulus characteristics influence emotion recognition performance, which could give insight into the mechanisms underpinning CU traits. To address this knowledge gap, children aged 7-10 years old (N = 45; 53% female, 47% male; 46.3% Black/African-American, 25.9% White, 16.7% Mixed race or Other, 9.3% Asian) completed an emotion recognition task featuring static facial stimuli from child and adult models and facial and full-body dynamic stimuli from adult models. Parents reported on CU traits of children in the sample. Children showed better emotion recognition for dynamic than static faces. Higher CU traits were associated with worse emotion recognition, particularly for sad and neutral expressions. Stimulus characteristics did not impact associations between CU traits and emotion recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tralucia Powell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rista C Plate
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Stephen A. Levin Building, 425 South University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Carly D Miron
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Stephen A. Levin Building, 425 South University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas J Wagner
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Stephen A. Levin Building, 425 South University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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5
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Obando D, Wright N, Hill J. Warmth and reciprocity with mothers, and young children's resilience to exposure to community violence in Colombia: findings from the La Sabana Parent-Child Study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:197-205. [PMID: 35532221 PMCID: PMC10084088 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to community violence is common worldwide and is associated with emotional and behavioural problems in children. Little is known about sources of resilience. Building on our previous work on the contribution of callous-unemotional (CU) traits to child aggression in Colombia, we examined whether positive parenting is protective for children whose families are exposed to community violence. METHODS Families were recruited from three demographically contrasting regions of Colombia. The sample comprised 235 children aged 3.5 years and their mothers, of whom 220 (93%) were followed up at age 5.0 years. Positive parenting was assessed as the average of maternal warmth and reciprocity, and as praise, and negative parenting as the average of negative affect and conflict seen in video recordings of standardized procedures. CU traits and oppositional defiant disorder were assessed by maternal report at ages 3.5 and 5.0 years, and mothers reported exposure to community violence over the 18 months between assessments. A range of potential confounds was included in adjusted analyses. RESULTS In the families who were exposed to community violence, but not in the unexposed, maternal warmth and reciprocity were associated prospectively with lower CU traits (interaction, p = .007). In the exposed group maternal warmth and reciprocity explained 10% of the variance (β = -.34, p = .001). Maternal praise was not associated with CU traits. Maternal negative parenting predicted higher CU traits as the main effect but not in interaction with community violence exposure. CONCLUSIONS Maternal warmth and reciprocity with young children may promote resilience in the face of community violence. Programmes to enhance these protective processes may be needed especially where prospects for reducing community violence are limited. The centrality of parents for these children highlights the plight of those exposed to community violence, and also either separated from parents or orphaned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Obando
- Department of PsychologyUniversidad de La SabanaChiaColombia
| | - Nicola Wright
- Department of PsychologyManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Jonathan Hill
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
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Zhou H, Liu Z. Realization of Self-Adaptive Higher Teaching Management Based Upon Expression and Speech Multimodal Emotion Recognition. Front Psychol 2022; 13:857924. [PMID: 35418897 PMCID: PMC8997584 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.857924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the process of communication between people, everyone will have emotions, and different emotions will have different effects on communication. With the help of external performance information accompanied by emotional expression, such as emotional speech signals or facial expressions, people can easily communicate with each other and understand each other. Emotion recognition is an important network of affective computers and research centers for signal processing, pattern detection, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. Emotions convey important information in human communication and communication. Since the end of the last century, people have started the research on emotion recognition, especially how to correctly judge the emotion type has invested a lot of time and energy. In this paper, multi-modal emotion recognition is introduced to recognize facial expressions and speech, and conduct research on adaptive higher education management. Language and expression are the most direct ways for people to express their emotions. After obtaining the framework of the dual-modal emotion recognition system, the BOW model is used to identify the characteristic movement of local areas or key points. The recognition rates of emotion recognition for 1,000 audios of anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise are: 97.3, 83.75, 64.87, 89.87, 84.12, and 86.68%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Zhou
- School of Education, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piñas, Philippines
| | - Zheng Liu
- School of Hunanities and Communications, ZheJiang GongShang University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Journalism, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Examining Links Between Infant Parasympathetic Regulation during the Still-Face Paradigm and Later Callous-Unemotional Traits. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 50:489-503. [PMID: 34424454 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00860-7] [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: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although research suggests that callous-unemotional (CU) traits are underpinned by deficits in social affiliation and reduced sensitivity to threat, there has been little investigation of the biophysiological regulatory mechanisms underlying these processes in infancy. The current study uses data from the Durham Child Health and Development Study (DCHD; n = 206) to examine whether and how the combination of infants' behavioral reactivity and levels of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an indicator of parasympathetic nervous system functioning, during the still-face episode of the still-face paradigm at 6 months differentiates risk for CU traits and oppositional defiant behaviors (ODD) at age 3 years, as well as whether these relations vary by children's attachment security. Results indicate that reduced negative affect during the still-face episode at 6 months predicts higher CU traits (B = -0.28, β = -0.27, p = 0.003) and ODD (B = -0.35, β = -0.24, p = 0.007) at 3 years. Results also show that comparatively lower RSA, i.e. engaged parasympathetic system, predicts higher CU traits (B = -0.10, β = -0.34, p = 0.013), but not ODD. Tests of moderation suggest the combination of blunted negative affect but comparatively lower RSA levels during a social stressor constitutes risk for later CU traits for children who are also insecurely attached (simple slope = -0.70, t = 2.88, p = 0.006 at -1 SD). Findings contribute to our understanding of the complex and interactive risk processes which precede the development of CU traits.
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Michelini G, Palumbo IM, DeYoung CG, Latzman RD, Kotov R. Linking RDoC and HiTOP: A new interface for advancing psychiatric nosology and neuroscience. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 86:102025. [PMID: 33798996 PMCID: PMC8165014 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) and the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) represent major dimensional frameworks proposing two alternative approaches to accelerate progress in the way psychopathology is studied, classified, and treated. RDoC is a research framework rooted in neuroscience aiming to further the understanding of transdiagnostic biobehavioral systems underlying psychopathology and ultimately inform future classifications. HiTOP is a dimensional classification system, derived from the observed covariation among symptoms of psychopathology and maladaptive traits, which seeks to provide more informative research and treatment targets (i.e., dimensional constructs and clinical assessments) than traditional diagnostic categories. This article argues that the complementary strengths of RDoC and HiTOP can be leveraged in order to achieve their respective goals. RDoC's biobehavioral framework may help elucidate the underpinnings of the clinical dimensions included in HiTOP, whereas HiTOP may provide psychometrically robust clinical targets for RDoC-informed research. We present a comprehensive mapping between dimensions included in RDoC (constructs and subconstructs) and HiTOP (spectra and subfactors) based on narrative review of the empirical literature. The resulting RDoC-HiTOP interface sheds light on the biobehavioral correlates of clinical dimensions and provides a broad set of dimensional clinical targets for etiological and neuroscientific research. We conclude with future directions and practical recommendations for using this interface to advance clinical neuroscience and psychiatric nosology. Ultimately, we envision that this RDoC-HiTOP interface has the potential to inform the development of a unified, dimensional, and biobehaviorally-grounded psychiatric nosology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Michelini
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States of America.
| | - Isabella M Palumbo
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States of America
| | - Colin G DeYoung
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | - Robert D Latzman
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States of America
| | - Roman Kotov
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11790, United States of America
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9
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Squillaci M, Benoit V. Role of Callous and Unemotional (CU) Traits on the Development of Youth with Behavioral Disorders: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094712. [PMID: 33925165 PMCID: PMC8125599 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that youth with behavioral disorders (BD) present an increased risk for developing severe and persistent antisocial behaviors in adulthood. Retrospective research notes that not all children and adolescents follow a negative trajectory and explains this heterogeneity in particular by the severity of CU traits. Our study examines how these traits affect the functioning of children and adolescents with BD. Method: A systematic literature review conducted through various databases and using different keywords made it possible to analyze 52 studies published from 2015 to 2020 that measured the bidirectional effects of CU traits on the functioning of young. Results: Out of the 52 studies, 47 analyzed links between CU traits and neurobiological or mental health, 20 examined family and school contexts, eight focused on social adjustment, 10 on social interactions and 19 measured links with cognitive functioning, especially executive functions. Conclusion: Consistent with previous recommendations in the field, our findings emphasize the importance of assessing the presence of UC traits in early childhood to prevent the emergence of comorbid disorders and to target multimodal (early) interventions to influence the life trajectories of youth with high CU traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Squillaci
- Department of Special Education, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Valérie Benoit
- Department of Special Education, University of Teacher Education of State of Vaud, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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10
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A psychometric and validity study of callous-unemotional traits in 2.5 year old children. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8065. [PMID: 33850187 PMCID: PMC8044146 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87416-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are associated with severe and stable antisocial behaviour in childhood and adolescence. In order to understand the earliest origins of CU traits we need first to know whether measurement is reliable and valid in young children. This study evaluated the psychometric properties and validity of a CU traits measure generated from existing child problem behaviour scales at age 2.5 years. The participants were members of an epidemiological longitudinal study starting in pregnancy. Items from the Antisocial Process Screening Device and other problem behaviour scales were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modelling was used to test whether age 2.5 CU traits showed incremental validity in predicting aggression at age 5. The CU measure showed acceptable psychometric properties, factorial invariance by sex and good stability. Incremental prediction to later aggression was evident in girls, whereas boys showed strong continuity in aggression not found for girls.
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11
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Takahashi Y, Pease CR, Pingault J, Viding E. Genetic and environmental influences on the developmental trajectory of callous-unemotional traits from childhood to adolescence. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 62:414-423. [PMID: 32418200 PMCID: PMC8432158 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the genetic and environmental influences underlying baseline level and developmental course of callous-unemotional (CU) traits across childhood and adolescence. METHODS The data on 8,958 twin pairs (3,108 MZ twin pairs and 5,850 DZ twin pairs) from the Twins Early Development Study were analysed. CU traits were assessed at ages 7, 9, 12 and 16 by mothers and analysed using a biometric latent growth model. RESULTS Individual differences in the baseline level of CU traits were highly heritable (76.5%), while the heritability of the developmental course of CU traits was moderate (43.6%). The genetic influences on baseline level and developmental course of CU traits were mostly nonoverlapping. Nonshared environment made a modest contribution to the baseline level of CU traits (21.7%). Nonshared environmental influences on the developmental course of CU traits were moderate (43.2%), with nearly half of them being the same as those influencing the baseline level and just over half being specific. Shared environmental effects did not contribute to systematic change across childhood and adolescence but were rather age-specific. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that rather than only being conceptualized as factors of stability, genes also play a dynamic role in explaining systematic change in CU traits. Genetic effects for the initial risk and subsequent development of CU traits are not the same. In addition to genetic factors, nonshared environmental influences play an important role in explaining why some children will increase or maintain their CU traits over time, whereas other will desist. New genetic and environmental influences with age suggest that repeated, age-tailored interventions may be required throughout development to make a lasting difference in the presentation of CU traits and associated outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Takahashi
- The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, and Division of Cognitive Psychology in EducationGraduate School of EducationKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan,Department of Clinical, Educational and Health PsychologyDivision of Psychology and Language SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Christopher R. Pease
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health PsychologyDivision of Psychology and Language SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Jean‐Baptiste Pingault
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health PsychologyDivision of Psychology and Language SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK,Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry CentreKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Essi Viding
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health PsychologyDivision of Psychology and Language SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK,Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry CentreKing's College LondonLondonUK
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12
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Domínguez-Álvarez B, Romero E, López-Romero L, Isdahl-Troye A, Wagner NJ, Waller R. A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Test of the Low Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) Model of Callous-Unemotional Traits Among Spanish Preschoolers. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:877-889. [PMID: 33624154 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00785-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the theoretical and empirical literature, a better understanding of the etiological determinants of callous-unemotional (CU) traits is needed. In this study, we tested the hypotheses advanced by the Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model, a theoretical framework, which proposes that individual differences in two temperament dimensions, fearlessness and low affiliation, jointly contribute to the development of CU traits. Specifically, we examined the unique and interactive effects of fearlessness and low affiliation on CU traits, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally and within and across informants (teachers and parents) in a large community sample of Spanish preschoolers (N = 2467, 48.1% girls, M = 4.25 years; SD = 0.91). Both fearlessness and low affiliation were independently related to higher CU traits across models. Consistent with the purported relationships outlined in the STAR model, we also found that a significant interaction between fearlessness and low affiliation explained unique variance in CU traits. The results suggested that main and interactive effects were specific to CU traits and not to other related dimensions of psychopathic traits that are measurable in early childhood (i.e. grandiose-deceitfulness and impulse need of stimulation). Thus, we provide new empirical support to the hypotheses generated by the STAR model in relation to the development of CU traits. Fearlessness and low affiliation are potential targets of future child-focused interventions to prevent or treat the development of CU traits and childhood conduct problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Domínguez-Álvarez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Coruña, Spain.
| | - Estrella Romero
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Coruña, Spain
| | - Laura López-Romero
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Coruña, Spain
| | - Aimé Isdahl-Troye
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Coruña, Spain
| | - Nicholas J Wagner
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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13
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Parental positive regard and expressed emotion-prediction of developing attention deficit, oppositional and callous unemotional problems between preschool and school age. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1391-1400. [PMID: 32865656 PMCID: PMC8440279 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01625-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Parental expressed emotion and positive reinforcement are assumed to affect the development of oppositional and callous-unemotional behaviors in children at risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As longitudinal research on this issue is scarce, we analyzed the respective links between preschool and school age. 138 five-year-old (m = 58.2, s = 6.2 months) children (59% boys) with elevated ADHD symptoms (according to screening) were assessed at the ages of five and eight years. At 5 years, maternal expressed emotion (using the Five Minute Speech Sample) and positive regard of child (using a standardized at-home observation procedure) were assessed. At 5 and 8 years, symptoms of ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors were measured using a multi-informant approach. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that positive regard specifically predicted a decrease in ODD symptoms between preschool and school age. The expression of high negative emotion specifically predicted an increase in CU behaviors. The development of ADHD symptoms was not predicted by parenting. Knowledge on these specific links can help to elaborate diagnostic and counseling processes in preschoolers with high ADHD symptoms. Underlying mechanisms and the role of neurocognitive deficits of the preschool child should be further analyzed.
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14
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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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15
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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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Cooper S, Hobson CW, van Goozen SH. Facial emotion recognition in children with externalising behaviours: A systematic review. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 25:1068-1085. [PMID: 32713184 DOI: 10.1177/1359104520945390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Difficulties in facial emotion recognition (FER) are associated with a range of mental health and antisocial presentations in adolescents and adults. Externalising behaviours in children are often one of the earliest signs of risk for the development of such difficulties. This article systematically reviews the evidence (from both group and correlational studies) for whether there is a relationship between FER and externalising behaviours in pre-adolescent children (aged 12 and under), both across and within externalising behaviour domains (hyperactivity, conduct problems, callous-unemotional traits, and aggression). Four electronic databases were searched producing 1,296 articles. Articles were included if they used validated measures of FER and externalising behaviours. Sixteen articles met criteria for inclusion in the review. Overall, the results suggested FER problems are present in ADHD, CP and callous-unemotional presentations, and in samples of children with higher levels of externalising problems rather than in community samples. However, there was no consistent evidence for specific emotions being implicated in the studies reviewed. Clinically, the findings suggest that FER difficulties are commonly associated with externalising behaviours, and hence this review offers some support that FER deficits could be a relevant target of intervention for externalising behaviours. However, more longitudinal studies are required, that control for other variables that might underlie FER difficulties (e.g. IQ or basic Theory of Mind abilities), to inform our knowledge of whether FER difficulties are a causal factor in externalising behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cooper
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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17
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Wagner NJ, Waller R, Flom M, Ronfard S, Fenstermacher S, Saudino K. Less imitation of arbitrary actions is a specific developmental precursor to callous-unemotional traits in early childhood. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 61:818-825. [PMID: 31903558 PMCID: PMC7335314 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Callous-unemotional (CU) traits in early childhood explain heterogeneity within conduct problems and are associated with higher risk for later diagnoses of childhood disruptive behavior disorders and antisocial behavior in adulthood. Emerging research implicates impairments in affiliative processes in the etiology of CU traits. The current study tests whether the imitation of intentional actions with no functional significance -a behavior that supports the acquisition of social conventions and affiliative bonds, is a specific developmental precursor to CU traits in early childhood. METHODS Data came from a longitudinal twin study of 628 children (Age 2: 47% females; Age 3: 44.9% females) with observations of arbitrary (i.e., nonfunctional actions) and instrumental (i.e., functional actions) imitation and parent reports of CU traits and oppositional defiant (ODD) behaviors at ages 2 and 3. RESULTS Lower arbitrary imitation at age 2, but not instrumental imitation, was related to increases in CU traits from ages 2 to 3 (β = -.10, p = .02). CONCLUSIONS These findings establish early social and affiliative processes in the etiology of CU traits, highlighting that novel personalized treatment and intervention strategies for CU traits may benefit from targeting these processes to help reduce CU traits and risk for persistent conduct problems in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Wagner
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Megan Flom
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel Ronfard
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Fenstermacher
- Department of Psychological Science, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Kimberly Saudino
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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Doyle FL, Mendoza Diaz A, Eapen V, Frick PJ, Kimonis ER, Hawes DJ, Moul C, Richmond JL, Mehta D, Sareen S, Morgan BG, Dadds MR. Mapping the Specific Pathways to Early-Onset Mental Health Disorders: The "Watch Me Grow for REAL" Study Protocol. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:553. [PMID: 32636770 PMCID: PMC7319093 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From birth, the human propensity to selectively attend and respond to critical super-stimuli forms the basis of future socio-emotional development and health. In particular, the first super-stimuli to preferentially engage and elicit responses in the healthy newborn are the physical touch, voice and face/eyes of caregivers. From this grows selective attention and responsiveness to emotional expression, scaffolding the development of empathy, social cognition, and other higher human capacities. In this paper, the protocol for a longitudinal, prospective birth-cohort study is presented. The major aim of this study is to map the emergence of individual differences and disturbances in the system of social-Responsiveness, Emotional Attention, and Learning (REAL) through the first 3 years of life to predict the specific emergence of the major childhood mental health problems, as well as social adjustment and impairment more generally. A further aim of this study is to examine how the REAL variables interact with the quality of environment/caregiver interactions. METHODS/DESIGN A prospective, longitudinal birth-cohort study will be conducted. Data will be collected from four assessments and mothers' electronic medical records. DISCUSSION This study will be the first to test a clear developmental map of both the unique and specific causes of childhood psychopathology and will identify more precise early intervention targets for children with complex comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances L. Doyle
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul J. Frick
- Institute for Learning Sciences & Teacher Education, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Eva R. Kimonis
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David J. Hawes
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline Moul
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny L. Richmond
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Divya Mehta
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sinia Sareen
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronte G. Morgan
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark R. Dadds
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Wagner NJ, Bowker JC, Rubin KH. Associations Between Callous-Unemotional Traits and Peer-Rated Social-Behavioral Outcomes in Elementary and Middle School. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 48:757-769. [PMID: 32185609 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-020-00636-5] [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] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
There is strong evidence that peers are of central importance to children's and adolescents' social and emotional adaptation and success in school. However, it remains an open question as to whether callous-unemotional (CU) traits, or interpersonal and affective deficits that pose risk for antisocial behaviors and psychopathy, are related to social-behavioral outcomes as assessed by those who are believed to have the most accurate perspectives on such outcomes - young adolescents' peers. Using data from a longitudinal and multi-method study of peer relations (N = 379, % female = 51.90, Mage = 10.24 at Time 1), the current study addressed this gap by examining the links between teacher-reports of CU traits and conduct problems (CP) and peer-reports of the extent to which young adolescents are aggressive, victimized, excluded, prosocial, and sociable during the Fall and Spring semesters in Grade 5 (Times 1and 2) and Grade 6 (Times 3 and 4). Results revealed that teacher-rated CP, but not CU traits, was associated positively with peer-reports of aggression. CU traits, but not CP, was associated positively with victimization/exclusion and associated negatively with prosociality. CU traits and CP demonstrated opposite relations with sociability, with CU traits demonstrating a negative association. Findings are discussed in the context of the broader literature examining the social-behavioral correlates of CU traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Wagner
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Room 119, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Julie C Bowker
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, 14260-4110, USA
| | - Kenneth H Rubin
- Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, Benjamin Building, RM 1108B, 3942 Campus Dr., College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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Nazareth ACDP, Escobar VS, DeCastro TG. Body Size Judgments at 17 ms: Evidence From Perceptual and Attitudinal Body Image Indexes. Front Psychol 2020; 10:3018. [PMID: 32010033 PMCID: PMC6978682 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.03018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence related to temporal control for stimuli presentation of whole-body image is generally associated with attentional bias to ideal thin bodies. Few studies present evidence concerning whole-body stimuli recognition during fast visual exposure intervals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reaction times for the judgment of different sized body silhouettes presented at 17 ms in a non-clinical sample. Thirty-one participants were divided in attitudinal and perceptual body image groups based on Figure Rating Scale output and performed two experiments. First experiment assessed perception and the clarity of visual experience for human and non-human body stimuli at 17 ms. A general accuracy of 69.17% was registered with no differences between perceptual and attitudinal body image groups. These results indicated that the way participants perceive their own bodies does not influence the recognition of general visual silhouette stimuli. It was also observed that the clarity of visual experience is positively correlated to stimuli recognition accuracy. In the second experiment participants had to respond in a seven-point Likert scale if the presented image of body silhouettes were bigger, equal or thinner than their own bodies. Trials were divided in two blocks based on spatial rotation, half at 0° and half at 180°. General accuracy for body silhouettes recognition was 41.1%. Greater accuracy recognition for regular positioned stimuli was observed. Attitudinal dimension of body image was not a predictor of differential performance whereas perceptual body image groups recorded contrasting recognition performance. Distorted body image participants presented higher accuracy than undistorted body image participants, with greater accuracy to thinner silhouette figures. Women had significantly higher overall accuracy than men considering both experimental blocks. When comparing the cumulative accuracy curves across experimental trials, an exposure effect was registered only for the first experiment. Results showed that body silhouette stimuli were judged in a fast exposure interval with differential accuracy rates only for perceptual body image groups. Such evidence signals that conscious body image can be associated to implicit detection of visual human body stimuli. Future studies should further test how traditional explicit body image outputs perform within experimental approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Clara de Paula Nazareth
- Laboratory of Experimental Phenomenology and Cognition, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Spencer Escobar
- Laboratory of Experimental Phenomenology and Cognition, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thiago Gomes DeCastro
- Laboratory of Experimental Phenomenology and Cognition, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Wright N, Pickles A, Braithwaite EC, Sharp H, Hill J. Sex-dependent associations between maternal prenatal cortisol and child callous-unemotional traits: Findings from the Wirral Child Health and Development Study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 109:104409. [PMID: 31446327 PMCID: PMC6857434 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated maternal glucocorticoids during pregnancy may impact on fetal development in a sex-dependent way, leading to increased amygdala activation and increased risk for internalising disorders in females. Based on evidence implicating reduced amygdala activation in callous-unemotional (CU) traits, we predicted that elevated maternal cortisol in pregnancy would be associated with lower CU traits and elevated anxious-depressed symptoms, only in girls. METHODS Participants were 225 members of a stratified subsample within an epidemiological longitudinal cohort (WCHADS). Salivary cortisol was measured over two days at 32 weeks gestation (on waking, 30-min post-waking and during the evening) and the log of the area under the curve (LogAUC) was calculated as an index of diurnal cortisol. Mothers reported on child CU traits and anxious-depressed symptoms at 2.5, 3.5 and 5.0 years of age. RESULTS As predicted there was a sex of child by cortisol interaction (p < .001) whereby elevated maternal cortisol was associated with lower child CU traits, explaining 25% of the variance, in girls, but not in boys. This effect remained when controlling for relevant confounders and anxious-depressed symptoms. By contrast, elevated maternal cortisol did not predict higher anxious-depressed symptoms in girls. CONCLUSIONS The study adds to growing evidence for sex-dependent effects of elevated maternal cortisol during pregnancy on early child psychopathology, consistent with mediation by elevated amygdala activation. The conditions under which, in girls, this is associated with heightened responsiveness to others' distress characteristic of low CU traits, or with increased affective symptoms, require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Wright
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK.
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Helen Sharp
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Life and Human Sciences, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Jonathan Hill
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
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The Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and the development of callous-unemotional traits. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:656-671. [PMID: 31618611 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Research implicates callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., lack of empathy, prosociality, and guilt, and reduced sensitivity to others' emotions) in the development of severe and persistent antisocial behavior. To improve etiological models of antisocial behavior and develop more effective treatments, we need a better understanding of the origins of CU traits. In this review, we discuss the role of two psychobiological and mechanistic precursors to CU traits: low affiliative reward (i.e., deficits in seeking out or getting pleasure from social bonding and closeness with others) and low threat sensitivity (i.e., fearlessness to social and non-social threat). We outline the Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and review studies that have examined the development of affiliative reward and threat sensitivity across animal, neuroimaging, genetic, and behavioral perspectives. We next evaluate evidence for the STAR model, specifically the claim that CU traits result from deficits in both affiliative reward and threat sensitivity. We end with constructive suggestions for future research to test the hypotheses generated by the STAR model.
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Dadds MR, English T, Wimalaweera S, Schollar-Root O, Hawes DJ. Can reciprocated parent-child eye gaze and emotional engagement enhance treatment for children with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits: a proof-of-concept trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2019; 60:676-685. [PMID: 30697730 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits are associated with reduced effectiveness of parenting programmes for children with conduct problems. This may be due to low levels of emotional engagement (EE) by these children with their parents. We evaluate a theoretically driven strategy for improving emotional engagement in high CU traits children undergoing a parenting intervention (parent management training; PMT) for child conduct problems. METHODS N = 40, 3- to 8-year-old children referred for conduct problems and showing stable, high levels of CU traits, were randomised to receive PMT+Emotional Engagement (EE), or the control condition PMT+Child Centred Play (CCP). A benchmarking sample of N = 70 children who received PMT only was also included. Observational coding of the parent-child interactions targeted by EE and CCP respectively was repeated throughout treatment and follow-up. RESULTS Emotional engagement produced unique improvements in parent-child emotional engagement (shared eye gaze); however, these reverted to baseline levels after treatment. CCP produced unique improvements in parents' child centeredness and child positive play, but by post-treatment, all children had improved on these factors. Both interventions produced similar improvements in general parental warmth. Reductions in severity of conduct problems at post-treatment and follow-up were large in size and did not differ between conditions or from the benchmarking group. Levels of CU traits reduced significantly but again did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS The putative mechanism of emotional engagement through reciprocated eye gaze proved to be impervious to sustained change, and thus failed to have a specific impact of conduct problems or levels of CU traits. The development of novel treatment approaches to children with high levels of CU is a challenging endeavour, and these results indicate that focussing on children with stable levels at pretreatment should be a priority.
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24
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Viding E, McCrory E. Towards understanding atypical social affiliation in psychopathy. Lancet Psychiatry 2019; 6:437-444. [PMID: 31006435 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(19)30049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
One distinctive feature of individuals with psychopathy is their reduced motivation and capacity to develop authentic social relationships, which are founded on an enjoyment of prosocial interactions or concern for others. Surprisingly, potential neurocognitive vulnerabilities contributing to atypical social affiliation, and lack of prosocial behaviours in psychopathy, have yet to be systematically investigated. Research efforts have largely focused on how individuals with psychopathy process negative emotions, and how this might affect their capacity to feel guilt or empathise with others' distress. Here, we propose a framework for understanding the development of atypical social affiliation and attachment in psychopathy, and outline several key processes and neural systems speculated to underpin them. We then describe present neurocognitive findings that suggest that these processes and neural systems are compromised in individuals with, or at risk of developing, psychopathy. Finally, we consider several research directions that would help with the understanding of the origin and development of social affiliation in individuals with psychopathy. This work has the potential to inform and enhance prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essi Viding
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Eamon McCrory
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK; Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
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Wagner NJ, Mills-Koonce WR, Willoughby MT, Cox MJ. Parenting and Cortisol in Infancy Interactively Predict Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Behaviors in Childhood. Child Dev 2019; 90:279-297. [PMID: 28737836 PMCID: PMC5783800 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study examines observed maternal sensitivity, harsh-intrusion, and mental-state talk in infancy as predictors of conduct problems (CP) and callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors in middle childhood, as well as the extent to which infants' resting cortisol and cortisol reactivity moderate these associations. Using data from the Family Life Project (n = 1,292), results indicate that maternal sensitivity at 6 months predicts fewer CP at first grade, but only for infants who demonstrate high levels of cortisol reactivity. Maternal harsh intrusion predicts fewer empathic-prosocial behaviors, a component of CU behaviors, but only for infants who demonstrate high resting cortisol. Findings are discussed in the context of diathesis-stress and differential susceptibility models.
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Schuberth DA, Zheng Y, Pasalich DS, McMahon RJ, Kamboukos D, Dawson-McClure S, Brotman LM. The Role of Emotion Understanding in the Development of Aggression and Callous-Unemotional Features across Early Childhood. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 47:619-631. [DOI: 10.1007/s10802-018-0468-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Peltola MJ, Yrttiaho S, Leppänen JM. Infants' attention bias to faces as an early marker of social development. Dev Sci 2018; 21:e12687. [DOI: 10.1111/desc.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mikko J. Peltola
- Human Information Processing Laboratory; Faculty of Social Sciences; University of Tampere; Tampere Finland
| | - Santeri Yrttiaho
- Infant Cognition Laboratory; Tampere Center for Child Health Research; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences; University of Tampere; Tampere Finland
| | - Jukka M. Leppänen
- Infant Cognition Laboratory; Tampere Center for Child Health Research; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences; University of Tampere; Tampere Finland
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Wright N, Hill J, Sharp H, Pickles A. Maternal sensitivity to distress, attachment and the development of callous-unemotional traits in young children. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2018; 59:790-800. [PMID: 29380375 PMCID: PMC6033174 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are characterized by a lack of responsiveness to the emotions of others, particularly negative emotions. A parenting environment where the child's own distress emotions are sensitively responded to may help foster the child's ability to respond to the emotions of others. We tested whether maternal sensitivity to distress, and other parenting characteristics, were associated with CU traits over the preschool period, and examined whether this was mediated via infant attachment status. METHOD In an epidemiological cohort, CU traits were assessed at age 2.5, 3.5, and 5.0 years by mother report. Dimensions of parenting were assessed in free play at age 29 weeks in a stratified subsample of 272, and attachment status at 14 months (n = 265). Structural equation modelling with maximum likelihood estimation was used to examine predictions from parenting dimensions and attachment status. RESULTS A parenting factor comprised of sensitivity to distress (n = 207), sensitivity to non-distress, positive regard toward the infant (or warmth), and intrusiveness, predicted child CU traits (p = .023). This effect was accounted for mainly by sensitivity to distress (p = .008) and positive regard (p = .023) which showed a synergistic effect as evidenced by a significant interaction (p = .01). This arose because the combination of low sensitivity to distress and low positive regard created the risk for elevated CU traits. Although sensitivity and positive regard predicted attachment security and disorganization, there were no associations between attachment status and CU traits. CONCLUSIONS The finding of contributions from both sensitivity to distress and positive regard to reduced CU traits suggests that children's responsiveness to others' emotions may be increased by their own mothers' responsiveness to them and their mothers' warmth. There was no evidence that this was mediated via attachment status. Implications for intervention and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Wright
- Institute of Psychology, Health and SocietyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Jonathan Hill
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Helen Sharp
- Institute of Psychology, Health and SocietyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Biostatistics Department at the Institute of PsychiatryKing's College LondonLondonUK
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Callous-Unemotional Traits and Autonomic Functioning in Toddlerhood Interact to Predict Externalizing Behaviors in Preschool. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 46:1439-1450. [DOI: 10.1007/s10802-017-0374-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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30
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The effect of early developmental problems in infancy: perspectives and clinical implications. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 26:1281-1282. [PMID: 29052013 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-017-1065-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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