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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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Bulgarelli C, Jones EJH. The typical and atypical development of empathy: How big is the gap from lab to field? JCPP ADVANCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bulgarelli
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development Birkbeck University of London London UK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering University College London London UK
| | - Emily J. H. Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development Birkbeck University of London London UK
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3
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Book A, Visser B, Wattam T. The effect of fear-inducing stimuli on risk taking in people with psychopathic traits. Cogn Emot 2022; 36:1313-1326. [PMID: 35913789 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2022.2106944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that people with psychopathic traits experience fear-inducing stimuli differently from others, seeming to interpret fear as more positive and less negative. We expected that this reaction, termed fear enjoyment, would impact the effect of fear-inducing stimuli on self-report risk-taking behaviour. Risk-taking was measured before and after viewing excitement- and fear-inducing videos (N = 825). As expected from research showing that fear induction tends to reduce risk-taking tendencies, participants showed reduced risk-taking scores following a fear-inducing stimulus. Importantly, this relationship was moderated by psychopathic traits. Participants who did not decrease their risk-taking tendencies following the video scored significantly higher on psychopathic traits. Also, some of the variance in the relationship between psychopathic traits and change in risk-taking was partly accounted for by fear enjoyment, suggesting that future research should examine whether fear enjoyment may play a role in the relationship between psychopathy and risk-taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Book
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Beth Visser
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Canada
| | - Tori Wattam
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
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4
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Psychopathic traits and emotion processing in a clinical sample of children with disruptive behavior disorder. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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5
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Sun Y, Zhao J, Zhao P, Zhang H, Zhong J, Pan P, Wang G, Yi Z, Xie L. Social cognition in children and adolescents with epilepsy: A meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:983565. [PMID: 36186867 PMCID: PMC9520261 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.983565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have investigated impairments in two key domains of social cognition (theory of mind [ToM] and facial emotion recognition [FER]) in children and adolescents with epilepsy. However, inconsistent conclusions were found. Our objective was to characterize social cognition performance of children and adolescents with epilepsy. A literature search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase databases. The article retrieval, screening, quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale), and data extraction were performed independently by two investigators. A random-effects model was used to examine estimates. The meta-analysis included 19 studies, with a combined sample of 623 children and adolescents with epilepsy (mean [SD] age, 12.13 [2.62] years; 46.1% female) and 677 healthy controls [HCs]) (mean [SD] age, 11.48 [2.71] years; 50.7% female). The results revealed that relative to HCs, children and adolescents with epilepsy exhibited deficits in ToM (g = -1.08, 95% CI [-1.38, -0.78], p < 0.001, the number of studies [k] = 13), FER (g = -0.98, 95% CI [-1.33, -0.64], p < 0.001, k = 12), and ToM subcomponents (cognitive ToM: g = -1.04, 95% CI [-1.35, -0.72], p < 0.001, k = 12] and affective ToM: g = -0.73, 95% CI [-1.12, -0.34], p < 0.001, k = 8). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in social cognition deficits between children and adolescents with focal epilepsy and generalized epilepsy. Meta-regressions confirmed the robustness of the results. These quantitative results further deepen our understanding of the two core domains of social cognition in children and adolescents with epilepsy and may assist in the development of cognitive interventions for this patient population. Systematic review registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-3-0011/, identifier INPLASY202230011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - PanWen Zhao
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - JianGuo Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - PingLei Pan
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Central Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - GenDi Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - ZhongQuan Yi
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - LiLi Xie
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
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6
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Pauli R, Kohls G, Tino P, Rogers JC, Baumann S, Ackermann K, Bernhard A, Martinelli A, Jansen L, Oldenhof H, Gonzalez-Madruga K, Smaragdi A, Gonzalez-Torres MA, Kerexeta-Lizeaga I, Boonmann C, Kersten L, Bigorra A, Hervas A, Stadler C, Fernandez-Rivas A, Popma A, Konrad K, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Fairchild G, Freitag CM, Rotshtein P, De Brito SA. Machine learning classification of conduct disorder with high versus low levels of callous-unemotional traits based on facial emotion recognition abilities. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 32:589-600. [PMID: 34661765 PMCID: PMC10115711 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01893-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Conduct disorder (CD) with high levels of callous-unemotional traits (CD/HCU) has been theoretically linked to specific difficulties with fear and sadness recognition, in contrast to CD with low levels of callous-unemotional traits (CD/LCU). However, experimental evidence for this distinction is mixed, and it is unclear whether these difficulties are a reliable marker of CD/HCU compared to CD/LCU. In a large sample (N = 1263, 9-18 years), we combined univariate analyses and machine learning classifiers to investigate whether CD/HCU is associated with disproportionate difficulties with fear and sadness recognition over other emotions, and whether such difficulties are a reliable individual-level marker of CD/HCU. We observed similar emotion recognition abilities in CD/HCU and CD/LCU. The CD/HCU group underperformed relative to typically developing (TD) youths, but difficulties were not specific to fear or sadness. Classifiers did not distinguish between youths with CD/HCU versus CD/LCU (52% accuracy), although youths with CD/HCU and CD/LCU were reliably distinguished from TD youths (64% and 60%, respectively). In the subset of classifiers that performed well for youths with CD/HCU, fear and sadness were the most relevant emotions for distinguishing them from youths with CD/LCU and TD youths, respectively. We conclude that non-specific emotion recognition difficulties are common in CD/HCU, but are not reliable individual-level markers of CD/HCU versus CD/LCU. These findings highlight that a reduced ability to recognise facial expressions of distress should not be assumed to be a core feature of CD/HCU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Pauli
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Gregor Kohls
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Tino
- School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jack C Rogers
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.,Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sarah Baumann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Katharina Ackermann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Faculty of Education, Hamburg University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anka Bernhard
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anne Martinelli
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lucres Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Helena Oldenhof
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karen Gonzalez-Madruga
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Cyril Boonmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Linda Kersten
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Amaia Hervas
- University Hospital Mutua Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christina Stadler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Arne Popma
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Konrad
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, RWTH Aachen and Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pia Rotshtein
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Stephane A De Brito
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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7
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van Boxtel A, Zaalberg R, de Wied M. Subnormal short-latency facial mimicry responses to dynamic emotional facial expressions in male adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders and callous-unemotional traits. Psychophysiology 2021; 59:e13945. [PMID: 34553782 PMCID: PMC9286451 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Using still pictures of emotional facial expressions as experimental stimuli, reduced amygdala responses or impaired recognition of basic emotions were repeatedly found in people with psychopathic traits. The amygdala also plays an important role in short‐latency facial mimicry responses. Since dynamic emotional facial expressions may have higher ecological validity than still pictures, we compared short‐latency facial mimicry responses to dynamic and static emotional expressions between adolescents with psychopathic traits and normal controls. Facial EMG responses to videos or still pictures of emotional expressions (happiness, anger, sadness, fear) were measured. Responses to 500‐ms dynamic expressions in videos, as well as the subsequent 1500‐ms phase of maximal (i.e., static) expression, were compared between male adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders and high (n = 14) or low (n = 17) callous‐unemotional (CU) traits, and normal control subjects (n = 32). Responses to still pictures were also compared between groups. EMG responses to dynamic expressions were generally significantly smaller in the high‐CU group than in the other two groups, which generally did not differ. These group differences gradually emerged during the 500‐ms stimulus presentation period but in general they were already seen a few hundred milliseconds after stimulus onset. Group differences were absent during the 1500‐ms phase of maximal expression and during exposure to still pictures. Subnormal short‐latency mimicry responses to dynamic emotional facial expressions in the high‐CU group might have negative consequences for understanding emotional facial expressions of others during daily life when human facial interactions are primarily dynamic. During human interactions, short‐latency facial mimicry responses occur to dynamic emotional facial expressions of others. These are preconscious, automatic responses which cannot be voluntarily controlled. They may be important for emotional understanding of others and appear to be subnormal in male adolescents with psychopathic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton van Boxtel
- Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud Zaalberg
- Wageningen University & Research, Biometris, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Minet de Wied
- Department of Youth and Family, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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8
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Dougherty DD, Chou T, Buhlmann U, Rauch SL, Deckersbach T. Early Amygdala Activation and Later Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Activation During Anger Induction and Imagery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.3233/jmp-160002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Neurobiological studies implicate the amygdala and related limbic/paralimbic structures, such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), in anger and aggression. Previous studies of self-generated anger using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) have consistently documented a lack of amygdala activation during anger. Objective: We investigated the hypothesis that a lack of amygdala activation during anger is due to differences in the time course of amygdala and VMPFC activation. Specifically, we explored whether the amygdala is involved in the early phases of anger experience which is later followed by increased VMPFC activation. Methods: Eighteen healthy control participants underwent fMRI. We adapted an anger induction paradigm previously used in our PET study, in which neutral and angry states were induced using autobiographical scripts. The hypothesized time course of amygdala and VMPFC activation during acute anger induction and imagery were modeled. Region of interest (ROI) analyses were used to identify significant a priori region activation, and correlations were run between signal values and VAS anger ratings. Results: Amygdala activation increased during the acute phase of anger induction and decreased during the later phase of anger imagery, whereas VMPFC activation decreased during anger induction and increased during anger imagery, compared to the neutral conditions. In addition, negative correlations were found between self-ratings of anger and bilateral VMPFC activation. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that the amygdala may be active at the initial onset of anger while the VMPFC is activated over time as the individual sustains and perhaps regulates that emotional state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tina Chou
- Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ulrike Buhlmann
- Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott L. Rauch
- Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thilo Deckersbach
- Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Hartmann D, Schwenck C. Emotion Processing in Children with Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Traits: An Investigation of Speed, Accuracy, and Attention. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2020; 51:721-733. [PMID: 32170490 PMCID: PMC7518997 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-00976-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess whether callous-unemotional traits (CU) are associated with deficits in emotion recognition independent of externalizing behavior and whether such deficits can be explained by aberrant attention. As previous studies have produced inconsistent results, the current study included two different emotion recognition paradigms and assessed the potential influence of factors such as processing speed and attention. The study included N = 94 children (eight to 14 years) with an oversampling of children with conduct problems (CP) and varying levels of CU-traits. Independent of externalizing behavior, CU-traits were associated with slower recognition of angry, sad and fearful facial expressions but not with higher error rates. There was no evidence that the association between CU-traits and emotion processing could be explained by misguided attention. Our results implicate that in children with high levels of CU-traits emotion recognition deficits depend on deficits in processing speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Hartmann
- Department of Special Needs Educational and Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Otto-Behaghel-Straße 10 C, 35394, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Christina Schwenck
- Department of Special Needs Educational and Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Otto-Behaghel-Straße 10 C, 35394, Giessen, Germany
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10
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Book A, Stark S, MacEachern J, Forth A, Visser B, Wattam T, Young J, Power J, Roters J. In the eye of the beholder: Psychopathy and fear enjoyment. J Pers 2020; 88:1286-1301. [PMID: 32629546 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the relations between psychopathic traits and fear enjoyment. METHOD In Study 1, 140 undergraduate participants (62 men, 78 women) watched the footage of video game play meant to induce either excitement or fear, rating each on positive/negative adjectives. In Study 2, 150 undergraduate participants (94 women, 56 men) rated valence (positive/negative) of 20 sets of morphed surprise/fear photos. RESULTS In Study 1, participants with higher levels of psychopathy rated the fear video as less negative and more positive. In Study 2, valence ratings became more negative as fear information increased (fear-laden faces were rated more negatively than surprise-laden faces). As well, there were significant interactions between psychopathy and morph level in predicting valence with psychopathic traits being associated with giving higher positivity ratings to fear-laden faces. CONCLUSIONS The results of these two studies suggest that people with psychopathic traits have a more positive interpretation of the experience of fear, which could extend to evaluations of others' experiences of fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Book
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Scarlet Stark
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | | | - Adelle Forth
- Psychology Department, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Beth Visser
- Psychology Department, Lakehead University, Orillia, ON, Canada
| | - Tori Wattam
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Young
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jordan Power
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Roters
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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11
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Szabó E, Halász J, Morgan A, Demetrovics Z, Kökönyei G. Callous-unemotional traits and the attentional bias towards emotional stimuli: Testing the moderating role of emotional and behavioural problems among high-risk adolescents. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 25:156-173. [PMID: 30648434 DOI: 10.1177/1359104518822690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Former studies demonstrated that antisocial youth with callous-unemotional (CU) traits are impaired in the processing of negative emotional stimuli. The aim of the current study was to explore the moderating role of different behavioural (i.e. conduct problems, hyperactivity-inattention) and emotional problems (i.e. internalizing symptoms) in the relationship between CU traits and attentional bias towards emotional stimuli. Besides using self-report measures, attentional bias was tested by an affective dot-probe task in a high-risk sample of 102 adolescent boys (M age = 16.34 years; SD = 1.32). CU traits were related to reduced attention to emotionally distressing pictures. Furthermore, conduct problems significantly moderated the relationship between CU traits and attention to distress cues. These findings highlight the importance of considering potential moderators to the well-established link between CU traits and deficits in response to negative emotional cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Szabó
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.,Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.,MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - József Halász
- Vadaskert Child Psychiatry Hospital, Hungary.,Alba Regia University Centre, Óbuda University, Hungary
| | - Antony Morgan
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
| | | | - Gyöngyi Kökönyei
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.,SE-NAP 2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Hungary.,Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Hungary
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12
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DiGirolamo MA, Simon JC, Hubley KM, Kopulsky A, Gutsell JN. Clarifying the relationship between trait empathy and action-based resonance indexed by EEG mu-rhythm suppression. Neuropsychologia 2019; 133:107172. [PMID: 31425710 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.107172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sensorimotor resonance, the vicarious activation of the sensory motor system during observation of another's actions, is thought to contribute to important social functions including empathy. Previous research has shown that sensorimotor resonance, as measured by suppression of the electrophysiological (EEG) mu rhythm, is predicted by trait empathy, but findings are inconsistent. Here we report data from a high-powered study (N = 252) to clarify the relationship between sensorimotor resonance as indexed by mu suppression during action observation and trait empathy as measured by the well-established Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Our initial pre-registered analyses at central electrode locations indicate that sensorimotor resonance is unrelated to general trait empathy or its sub-facets, however, these effects could not be isolated from attention-related occipital alpha. An additional non-registered analysis using Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to look at the isolated central mu-component clarified the relationship. Results confirmed the lack of a relationship between the mu-component and the perspective taking, personal distress, or fantasy facets of the IRI, but suggest a possible association with empathic concern such that greater resonance is associated with greater empathic concern. These results question the previously assumed relationship between trait empathy and sensorimotor resonance and highlight the need to investigate experience sharing tendencies in the context of simulation-based resonance.
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13
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Fairchild G, Hawes DJ, Frick PJ, Copeland WE, Odgers CL, Franke B, Freitag CM, De Brito SA. Conduct disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2019; 5:43. [PMID: 31249310 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-019-0095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Conduct disorder (CD) is a common and highly impairing psychiatric disorder that usually emerges in childhood or adolescence and is characterized by severe antisocial and aggressive behaviour. It frequently co-occurs with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and often leads to antisocial personality disorder in adulthood. CD affects ~3% of school-aged children and is twice as prevalent in males than in females. This disorder can be subtyped according to age at onset (childhood-onset versus adolescent-onset) and the presence or absence of callous-unemotional traits (deficits in empathy and guilt). The aetiology of CD is complex, with contributions of both genetic and environmental risk factors and different forms of interplay among the two (gene-environment interaction and correlation). In addition, CD is associated with neurocognitive impairments; smaller grey matter volume in limbic regions such as the amygdala, insula and orbitofrontal cortex, and functional abnormalities in overlapping brain circuits responsible for emotion processing, emotion regulation and reinforcement-based decision-making have been reported. Lower hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic reactivity to stress has also been reported. Management of CD primarily involves parent-based or family-based psychosocial interventions, although stimulants and atypical antipsychotics are sometimes used, especially in individuals with comorbid ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Hawes
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul J Frick
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA and Institute for Learning Science and Teacher Education, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Candice L Odgers
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Barbara Franke
- Departments of Human Genetics and Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephane A De Brito
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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14
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Kimonis ER, Graham N, Cauffman E. Aggressive Male Juvenile Offenders with Callous-Unemotional Traits Show Aberrant Attentional Orienting to Distress Cues. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 46:519-527. [PMID: 28374219 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-017-0295-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Antisocial youth with callous-unemotional (CU) traits exhibit a pattern of severe and persistent conduct problems and deficits in emotional processing that parallels adults with psychopathy. Aberrant emotional attention, particularly among individuals high on aggression, constitutes one such deficit; however, its robustness across race/ethnicity requires further investigation given findings that the psychopathy construct manifests differently across race (Sullivan and Kosson 2006), and emotional attention is susceptible to the influence of adverse environmental factors such as violence exposure that is more common among ethnic minority youth (Kimonis et al. in Development and Psychopathology, 20, 569-589, 2008b). Also, the development of a comprehensive measure of CU traits, the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), has identified specific CU dimensions (Uncaring, Callous, Unemotional) that are yet to be investigated in relation to emotional attention deficits. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether aggressive boys high on total CU traits and specific ICU dimensions show deficits in attentional orienting to negative stimuli on a dot-probe task that are consistent across race/ethnicity. Results from a predominately Latino sample of incarcerated male adolescents (N = 156) showed that aggression moderated the association between CU traits and facilitation to distress stimuli. That is, aggressive boys high on CU traits or the Uncaring dimension showed deficient attentional orienting; a finding that was consistent across racial/ethnic minority groups. Results are consistent with prior research suggesting that the combination of high CU traits and aggression defines a unique subgroup of antisocial individuals that more closely fits with the construct of psychopathy than the presence of CU traits alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva R Kimonis
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Nicole Graham
- City University of New York - John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth Cauffman
- Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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15
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The Association of Children’s Locus of Control Orientation and Emotion Recognition Abilities at 8 Years of Age and Teachers’ Ratings of Their Personal and Social Difficulties at 10 Years. JOURNAL OF NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10919-019-00304-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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16
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Hoyniak CP, Bates JE, Petersen IT, Yang CL, Darcy I, Fontaine NMG. Diminished Neural Responses to Emotionally Valenced Facial Stimuli: A Potential Biomarker for Unemotional Traits in Early Childhood. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2019; 50:72-82. [PMID: 29934771 PMCID: PMC6559724 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-018-0821-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are characterized by deficits in guilt/empathy, shallow affect, and the callous and manipulative use of others. Individuals showing CU traits have increased risk for behavior problems and reduced responses to displays of distress in others. To explore how deficits in emotion-processing are associated with CU traits, the current study examined the association between callous-unemotionality and a neural index of facial emotion processing, using the event-related potential technique in a group of 3-5 year olds. Children viewed a series of static emotional faces, depicting either fear or happiness, while electroencephalography data were collected. The N170 component, thought to index the neural processes associated with face perception, was examined along with CU traits. Findings suggest that the unemotional dimension of CU traits is associated with diminished emotion-processing responses to fearful faces. Reduced neural responses to facial depictions of fear could be a biomarker for unemotional traits in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline P. Hoyniak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana
University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - John E. Bates
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana
University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Isaac T. Petersen
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University
of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Chung-Lin Yang
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana
University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Isabelle Darcy
- Department of Second Language Studies, Indiana University,
Bloomington, IN, USA
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17
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Dargis M, Wolf RC, Koenigs M. Psychopathic traits are associated with reduced fixations to the eye region of fearful faces. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 127:43-50. [PMID: 29369667 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Impairments in processing fearful faces have been documented in both children and adults with psychopathic traits, suggesting a potential mechanism by which psychopathic individuals develop callous and manipulative interpersonal and affective traits. Recently, research has demonstrated that psychopathic traits are associated with reduced fixations to the eye regions of faces in samples of children and community-dwelling adults, however this relationship has not yet been established in an offender sample with high levels of psychopathy. In the current study, we employed eye-tracking with paradigms involving the identification and passive viewing of facial expressions of emotion, respectively, in a sample of adult male criminal offenders (n = 108) to elucidate the relationship between visual processing of fearful facial expressions and interpersonal and affective psychopathic traits. We found that the interpersonal-affective traits of psychopathy were significantly related to fewer fixations to the eyes of fear faces during the emotion recognition task. This association was driven particularly by the interpersonal psychopathic traits (e.g., egocentricity, deceitfulness), whereas fear recognition accuracy was inversely related to the affective psychopathic traits (e.g., callousness, lack of empathy). These findings highlight potential mechanisms for the subset of the interpersonal-affective traits exhibited by psychopathic individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dargis
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Richard C Wolf
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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18
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emotion recognition is an important aspect of emotion processing, which is needed for appropriate social behavior and normal socialization. Previous studies in adults with antisocial personality disorder or psychopathy, in those convicted of criminal behavior, or in children with conduct disorder show impairments in negative emotion recognition. The present study investigated affective facial and prosody recognition in a sample of children at high risk of developing future criminal behavior. METHODS Participants were 8- to 12-year-old children at high risk of developing criminal behavior (N=219, 83.1% boys) and typically developing controls (N=43, 72.1% boys). The high-risk children were recruited through an ongoing early intervention project of the city of Amsterdam, that focuses on the underage siblings or children of delinquents, and those failing to attend school. Facial and vocal recognition of happy, sad, angry, and fear was measured with the Facial Emotion Recognition (FER) test and the prosody test of the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks (ANT), respectively. RESULTS The high-risk group was significantly worse in facial affect recognition and had particular problems with fear and sadness recognition. No hostile attribution bias was found. The high-risk group did not differ from controls in affective prosody recognition but needed significantly more time to recognize emotions. CONCLUSIONS The emotion-specific deficits found in forensic and clinical populations are already present in a sample of children at high risk of developing future criminal behavior. These findings help us understand a possible underlying mechanism of antisocial behavior that could provide directions for tailored interventions. (JINS, 2019, 25, 57-64).
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Tyler P, White SF, Thompson RW, Blair R. Applying a Cognitive Neuroscience Perspective to Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Implications for Schools. Dev Neuropsychol 2019; 44:17-42. [PMID: 29432037 PMCID: PMC6283690 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2017.1334782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A cognitive neuroscience perspective seeks to understand behavior, in this case disruptive behavior disorders (DBD), in terms of dysfunction in cognitive processes underpinned by neural processes. While this type of approach has clear implications for clinical mental health practice, it also has implications for school-based assessment and intervention with children and adolescents who have disruptive behavior and aggression. This review articulates a cognitive neuroscience account of DBD by discussing the neurocognitive dysfunction related to emotional empathy, threat sensitivity, reinforcement-based decision-making, and response inhibition. The potential implications for current and future classroom-based assessments and interventions for students with these deficits are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Tyler
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Boys Town National Research Institute, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
| | - Stuart F. White
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - R.J.R. Blair
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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20
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Beauchamp MH, Vera-Estay E, Morasse F, Anderson V, Dooley J. Moral reasoning and decision-making in adolescents who sustain traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj 2018; 33:32-39. [PMID: 30325212 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2018.1531307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Emerging evidence suggests that moral processes are disrupted by traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objective of this study was to explore moral reasoning (MR) and decision-making in adolescents with TBI, and to examine potential associations with global manifestations of social competence.Design: This retrospective, cross-sectional research design compared MR and decision-making in adolescents with mild TBI (n = 20), moderate-severe TBI (n = 23) and typically developing controls (n = 93).Methods: Participants completed a visual task of socio-moral reasoning (SoMoral) and the Index of Empathy for Children and Adolescents. Their parents completed questionnaires documenting their child's behavior (Child Behavior Checklist) and adaptive functioning (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-Second Edition).Main results: Adolescents with both mild and moderate-severe TBI displayed more immature MR than typically developing peers. Participants with TBI also provided fewer socially adapted decisions. Closer inspection revealed that this difference was apparent only in the mild TBI group. No significant group differences were observed for empathy, behavior or adaptive skills.Conclusions: Sustaining TBI appears to affect adolescents' ability to provide mature moral justifications when faced with moral dilemmas representative of everyday social conflicts. These difficulties do not appear to be associated with behavior problems, reduced empathy, or adaptive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.,Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - E Vera-Estay
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.,Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - F Morasse
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.,Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - V Anderson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Dooley
- Cuyahoga County Court Psychiatric Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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21
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Bours CCAH, Bakker-Huvenaars MJ, Tramper J, Bielczyk N, Scheepers F, Nijhof KS, Baanders AN, Lambregts-Rommelse NNJ, Medendorp P, Glennon JC, Buitelaar JK. Emotional face recognition in male adolescents with autism spectrum disorder or disruptive behavior disorder: an eye-tracking study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2018; 27:1143-1157. [PMID: 29922873 PMCID: PMC6133091 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-018-1174-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder (CD) are often associated with emotion recognition difficulties. This is the first eye-tracking study to examine emotional face recognition (i.e., gazing behavior) in a direct comparison of male adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder, and typically developing (TD) individuals. We also investigate the role of psychopathic traits, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and subtypes of aggressive behavior in emotional face recognition. A total of 122 male adolescents (N = 50 ASD, N = 44 ODD/CD, and N = 28 TD) aged 12-19 years (M = 15.4 years, SD= 1.9) were included in the current study for the eye-tracking experiment. Participants were presented with neutral and emotional faces using a Tobii 1750 eye-tracking monitor to record gaze behavior. Our main dependent eye-tracking variables were: (1) fixation duration to the eyes of a face and (2) time to the first fixation to the eyes. Since distributions of eye-tracking variables were not completely Gaussian, non-parametric tests were chosen to investigate gaze behavior across the diagnostic groups with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder, and Typically Developing individuals. Furthermore, we used Spearman correlations to investigate the links with psychopathy, callous, and unemotional traits and subtypes of aggression as assessed by questionnaires. The relative total fixation duration to the eyes was decreased in both the Autism Spectrum Disorder group and the Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder group for several emotional expressions. In both the Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder group, increased time to first fixation on the eyes of fearful faces only was nominally significant. The time to first fixation on the eyes was nominally correlated with psychopathic traits and proactive aggression. The current findings do not support strong claims for differential cross-disorder eye-gazing deficits and for a role of shared underlying psychopathic traits, callous-unemotional traits, and aggression subtypes. Our data provide valuable and novel insights into gaze timing distributions when looking at the eyes of a fearful face.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C A H Bours
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - M J Bakker-Huvenaars
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J Tramper
- Centre for Cognition, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - N Bielczyk
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - F Scheepers
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K S Nijhof
- Pluryn, Hoenderloo, The Netherlands
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A N Baanders
- Stichting Otto Gerhard Heldring, Zetten, The Netherlands
| | - N N J Lambregts-Rommelse
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P Medendorp
- Centre for Cognition, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J C Glennon
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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22
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Blair R, Veroude K, Buitelaar J. Neuro-cognitive system dysfunction and symptom sets: A review of fMRI studies in youth with conduct problems. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:69-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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23
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Mowle EN, Edens JF, Ruchensky JR, Penson BN. Triarchic psychopathy and deficits in facial affect recognition. J Pers 2018; 87:240-251. [DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Reidy DE, Krusemark E, Kosson DS, Kearns MC, Smith-Darden J, Kiehl KA. The Development of Severe and Chronic Violence Among Youth: The Role of Psychopathic Traits and Reward Processing. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2017; 48:967-982. [PMID: 28315981 PMCID: PMC5860650 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-017-0720-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Psychopathic traits are a manifestation of a personality pathology that comprises a core affective-interpersonal dysfunction (callous-unemotional traits) and an impulsive-antisocial behavioral component. Of particular importance, psychopathic traits are associated with the perpetration of some of the most severe acts of violence, and they appear to indicate a subset of youth at risk for earlier onset, greater frequency, and persistence of violent offending. Although these youth represent a minority of the population, they commit a significant proportion of the violence in the general community. In our review, we highlight evidence of a unique neurobiological predisposition that underlies the core affective deficits and describe contemporary accounts for the developmental processes leading to the antisocial behavior associated with psychopathy. Current evidence suggests that, for this subset of youth, the structure and function of neural circuitry supporting emotion processing, reward learning, decision making, and the development of emotion related to empathy may be crucial to understanding why they are at risk for violence. In particular, a reward dominant pattern of neurobehavioral conditioning may explain how these youth progress to some of the most severe and persistent forms of violence. However, this pattern of conditioning may also be essential to the primary prevention of such deleterious behavior. We suspect that effective strategies to prevent such violence may ultimately be informed by understanding these affective and motivational mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis E Reidy
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Krusemark
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David S Kosson
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Megan C Kearns
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kent A Kiehl
- Departments of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- The Nonprofit Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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25
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Hoyniak CP, Bates JE, Petersen IT, Yang CL, Darcy I, Fontaine NMG. Reduced neural responses to vocal fear: a potential biomarker for callous-uncaring traits in early childhood. Dev Sci 2017; 21:e12608. [PMID: 29119657 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are characterized by a lack of guilt and empathy, and low responsiveness to distress and fear in others. Children with CU traits are at-risk for engaging in early and persistent conduct problems. Individuals showing CU traits have been shown to have reduced neural responses to others' distress (e.g., fear). However, the neural components of distress responses in children with CU traits have not been investigated in early childhood. In the current study, we examined neural responses that underlie the processing of emotionally valenced vocal stimuli using the event-related potential technique in a group of preschoolers. METHOD Participants between 2 and 5 years old took part in an auditory oddball task containing English-based pseudowords spoken with either a fearful, happy, or a neutral prosody while electroencephalography data were collected. The mismatch negativity (MMN) component, an index of the automatic detection of deviant stimuli within a series of stimuli, was examined in association with two dimensions of CU traits (i.e., callousness-uncaring and unemotional dimensions) reported by primary caregivers. RESULTS Findings suggest that the callousness-uncaring dimension of CU traits in early childhood is associated with reduced responses to fearful vocal stimuli. CONCLUSIONS Reduced neural responses to vocal fear could be a biomarker for callous-uncaring traits in early childhood. These findings are relevant for clinicians and researchers attempting to identify risk factors for early callous-uncaring traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline P Hoyniak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - John E Bates
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Isaac T Petersen
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Chung-Lin Yang
- Department of Second Language Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Isabelle Darcy
- Department of Second Language Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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26
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Salekin RT. Research Review: What do we know about psychopathic traits in children? J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2017; 58:1180-1200. [PMID: 28542927 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the topic of child psychopathy has advanced over the past decade increasing what we know. METHOD This qualitative review examines the research base for child psychopathy and emphasizes its three dimensions: grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional, and daring-impulsive. Literature is reviewed addressing the cognitive, emotional, motivational, personality, parenting, and biological correlates. RESULTS Support has emerged for the phenotypic construct of child psychopathy, while questions remain regarding definitional issues and key external correlates (e.g., reward and punishment processing, parenting, molecular genetics, brain imaging). CONCLUSIONS While the construct appears to be valid, future work should broaden its focus from callous unemotional traits to all three dimensions of the construct, enhance measurement precision, and examine dimension interactions. Such research could have important implications for CD specification for future versions of the DSM and ICD and speed etiological knowledge and clinical care for youth with conduct problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall T Salekin
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
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27
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Blair RJR. Emotion-based learning systems and the development of morality. Cognition 2017; 167:38-45. [PMID: 28395907 PMCID: PMC5572654 DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In this paper it is proposed that important components of moral development and moral judgment rely on two forms of emotional learning: stimulus-reinforcement and response-outcome learning. Data in support of this position will be primarily drawn from work with individuals with the developmental condition of psychopathy as well as fMRI studies with healthy individuals. Individuals with psychopathy show impairment on moral judgment tasks and a pronounced increased risk for instrumental antisocial behavior. It will be argued that these impairments are developmental consequences of impaired stimulus-aversive conditioning on the basis of distress cue reinforcers and response-outcome learning in individuals with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J R Blair
- Section on Affective Cognitive Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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28
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Cigna MH, Guay JP, Renaud P. Psychopathic traits and their relation to facial affect recognition. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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29
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Fonagy P, Luyten P. Conduct problems in youth and the RDoC approach: A developmental, evolutionary-based view. Clin Psychol Rev 2017; 64:57-76. [PMID: 28935341 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Problems related to aggression in young people are traditionally subsumed under the header of conduct problems, which include conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Such problems in children and adolescents are an important societal and mental health problem. In this paper we present an evolutionarily informed developmental psychopathology view of conduct problems inspired by the NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative. We assume that while there are many pathways to conduct problems, chronic or temporary impairments in the domain of social cognition or mentalizing are a common denominator. Specifically, we conceptualize conduct problems as reflecting temporary or chronic difficulties with mentalizing, that is, the capacity to understand the self and others in terms of intentional mental states, leading to a failure to inhibit interpersonal violence through a process of perspective-taking and empathy. These difficulties, in turn, stem from impairments in making use of a normally evolutionarily protected social learning system that functions to facilitate intergenerational knowledge transmission and protect social collaborative processes from impulsive and aggressive action. Temperamental, biological, and social risk factors in different combinations may all contribute to this outcome. This adaptation then interacts with impairments in other domains of functioning, such as in negative and positive valence systems and cognitive systems. This view highlights the importance of a complex interplay among biological, psychological, and environmental factors in understanding the origins of conduct problems. We outline the implications of these views for future research and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK.
| | - Patrick Luyten
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK; Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Rehder PD, Mills-Koonce WR, Willoughby MT, Garrett-Peters P, Wagner NJ. Emotion Recognition Deficits among Children with Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Behaviors. EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH QUARTERLY 2017; 41:174-183. [PMID: 34113059 PMCID: PMC8188849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Deficits in emotion recognition have been associated with psychopathic and callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors among adults, adolescents, and children. However, few previous studies have examined such associations exclusively during early and middle childhood, or demographic differences in emotion recognition that may result from early emotion socialization experiences. The current study used a large, population-stratified, randomly-selected sample of 2nd grade children living in areas of high rural poverty to examine group differences in emotion recognition among children showing no conduct problems or CU behaviors (typical), conduct problems without CU behaviors (CP-only), and both CP and CU behaviors (CP+CU). Primary caregivers reported on children's conduct problems and callous-unemotional behaviors at 1st grade and children completed a computerized facial emotion recognition task at 2nd grade. Results indicated that CP/CU group differences in emotion recognition accuracy were moderated by child race, with children in the typical group showing better overall accuracy and better recognition of fearful and happy faces among European American children, whereas no group differences were found among African American children. Implications for emotion socialization, etiology of CP and CU behaviors, and future directions for research and treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D. Rehder
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 248 Stone Building, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, United States
| | - W. Roger Mills-Koonce
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 248 Stone Building, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, United States
| | - Michael T. Willoughby
- Research Triangle Institute, 3040 East Cornwallis Rd. P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, United States
| | - Patricia Garrett-Peters
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 8180, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8180
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Bedford R, Wagner NJ, Rehder PD, Propper C, Willoughby MT, Mills-Koonce RW. The role of infants' mother-directed gaze, maternal sensitivity, and emotion recognition in childhood callous unemotional behaviours. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 26:947-956. [PMID: 28247068 PMCID: PMC5532412 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-017-0967-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
While some children with callous unemotional (CU) behaviours show difficulty recognizing emotional expressions, the underlying developmental pathways are not well understood. Reduced infant attention to the caregiver's face and a lack of sensitive parenting have previously been associated with emerging CU features. The current study examined whether facial emotion recognition mediates the association between infants' mother-directed gaze, maternal sensitivity, and later CU behaviours. Participants were 206 full-term infants and their families from a prospective longitudinal study, the Durham Child Health and Development Study (DCHDS). Measures of infants' mother-directed gaze, and maternal sensitivity were collected at 6 months, facial emotion recognition performance at 6 years, and CU behaviours at 7 years. A path analysis showed a significant effect of emotion recognition predicting CU behaviours (β = -0.275, S.E. = 0.084, p = 0.001). While the main effects of infants' mother-directed gaze and maternal sensitivity were not significant, their interaction significantly predicted CU behaviours (β = 0.194, S.E. = 0.081, p = 0.016) with region of significance analysis showing a significant negative relationship between infant gaze and later CU behaviours only for those with low maternal sensitivity. There were no indirect effects of infants' mother-directed gaze, maternal sensitivity or the mother-directed gaze by maternal sensitivity interaction via emotion recognition. Emotion recognition appears to act as an independent predictor of CU behaviours, rather than mediating the relationship between infants' mother-directed gaze and maternal sensitivity with later CU behaviours. This supports the idea of multiple risk factors for CU behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bedford
- Biostatistics and Health Informatics Department, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, England.
| | - N J Wagner
- Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - P D Rehder
- Human Development and Family Studies Department, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
| | - C Propper
- Center for Developmental Science, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | - R W Mills-Koonce
- Human Development and Family Studies Department, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
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Wang L, Chen W, Li H. Use of 3D faces facilitates facial expression recognition in children. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45464. [PMID: 28368008 PMCID: PMC5377359 DOI: 10.1038/srep45464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed whether presenting 3D face stimuli could facilitate children’s facial expression recognition. Seventy-one children aged between 3 and 6 participated in the study. Their task was to judge whether a face presented in each trial showed a happy or fearful expression. Half of the face stimuli were shown with 3D representations, whereas the other half of the images were shown as 2D pictures. We compared expression recognition under these conditions. The results showed that the use of 3D faces improved the speed of facial expression recognition in both boys and girls. Moreover, 3D faces improved boys’ recognition accuracy for fearful expressions. Since fear is the most difficult facial expression for children to recognize, the facilitation effect of 3D faces has important practical implications for children with difficulties in facial expression recognition. The potential benefits of 3D representation for other expressions also have implications for developing more realistic assessments of children’s expression recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamei Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Child Development and Health, College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenfeng Chen
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Child Development and Health, College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Moul C, Hawes DJ, Dadds MR. Mapping the developmental pathways of child conduct problems through the neurobiology of empathy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 91:34-50. [PMID: 28377098 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The notion that antisocial behavior reflects failures of empathy has a long history in the clinical literature, yet only recently has evidence emerged to support neuroscientific accounts of empathy and the development of child conduct problems. Much of this evidence has come from research into callous-unemotional traits, which correspond to the affective component of psychopathy and therefore encompass deficits in empathy within a broader cluster of emotional impairments. In this review we integrate current evidence concerning the biobehavioral bases of empathy and callous-unemotional traits, and discuss how it may inform models of heterogeneous subgroups of individuals with early onset conduct problems. We argue that somewhat distinct failures of empathy map onto distinct risk pathways to early onset conduct problems, and that these pathways may be best understood by examining empathy in terms of cognitive and environmental prerequisites and the various neurochemical systems implicated therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Moul
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Australia.
| | - David J Hawes
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Australia.
| | - Mark R Dadds
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Australia.
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Impaired social cognition in violent offenders: perceptual deficit or cognitive bias? Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2017; 267:257-266. [PMID: 27623869 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-016-0727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is assumed to be associated with certain patterns of social information processing. While some theories link aggression to a tendency to interpret ambiguous stimuli as hostile (i.e., enhanced sensitivity to anger), others assume an insufficient ability to perceive emotional expressions, particularly fear. Despite compelling evidence to support both theories, no previous study has directly investigated the predictions made by these two accounts in aggressive populations. The aim of the current study was to test processing patterns for angry and fearful facial expressions in violent offenders (VOs) and healthy controls (CTLs) and their association with self-reported aggression and psychopathy scores. In Experiment 1, we assessed perceptual sensitivity to neutral-emotional (angry, fearful, happy) blends in a task which did not require categorization, but an indication whether the stimulus is neutral or emotional. In Experiment 2, we assessed categorization performance for ambiguous fearful-happy and angry-happy blends. No group differences were revealed in Experiment 1, while Experiment 2 indicated a deficit in the categorization of ambiguous fearful blends in the VO group. Importantly, this deficit was associated with both self-reported psychopathy and aggression in the VO, but not the CTL group. The current study provides evidence for a deficient categorization of fearful expressions and its association with self-reported aggression and psychopathy in VOs, but no support for heightened sensitivity to anger. Furthermore, the current findings indicate that the deficit is tied to categorization but not detection stages of social information processing.
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Petruccelli I, Barbaranelli C, Costantino V, Gherardini A, Grilli S, Craparo G, D'Urso G. Moral Disengagement and Psychopathy: A Study on Offenders in Italian Jails. PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND LAW : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW 2017; 24:670-681. [PMID: 31983981 PMCID: PMC6818241 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2017.1291291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This article investigates mechanisms of moral disengagement and psychopathy in offender detainees (sex offenders and non-sex offenders). In particular, this article investigates whether, in all offenders, moral disengagement and psychopathy are correlated, if there are any differences between sex offenders and non-sex offenders as to psychopathy, and if there are any differences between rapists and child molesters in regard to their levels of psychopathy. The results indicate that, in all offenders, levels of moral disengagement are associated with levels of psychopathy, while sex offenders are more selfish, more insensitive and less remorseful than non-sex offenders. It is also found that rapists display more antisocial behaviour problematic elements in their lifestyle than child molesters. As well as increasing the dedicated literature, studying the mechanisms and characteristics of offenders - and of sex offenders in particular - may be of considerable importance for the promotion of effective and targeted treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - A. Gherardini
- University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | | | - G. Craparo
- Kore University of Enna, Enna Bassa, Italy
| | - G. D'Urso
- Kore University of Enna, Enna Bassa, Italy
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VASCONCELLOS SJL, SALVADOR-SILVA R, VARGAS FD, HOFFMEISTER FX, PRATES PF, SILVA RMD. A cognição social dos psicopatas: achados científicos recentes. ESTUDOS DE PSICOLOGIA (CAMPINAS) 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-02752017000100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo O psicopata apresenta traços na personalidade relacionados à ausência de remorso e uma maior dominância social, expressos muitas vezes como manipulação de outros indivíduos. Em estudos atuais sugere-se que psicopatas podem apresentar deficiências no processamento de estímulos emocionais em uma situação de interação social. Este estudo tem por objetivo realizar uma revisão teórica, não sistemática, discutindo pesquisas recentes sobre o tema. A partir da leitura, conclui-se que novas considerações revelam-se pertinentes, pois nem sempre o tipo de disfunção da cognição social dos psicopatas é explícito na literatura. Sugere-se que outros métodos para avaliar a capacidade dos psicopatas em identificar as emoções possam ser investigadas, além de identificar a medida das estratégias interpessoais. Em termos gerais, apresenta-se uma proposta de reflexão para um transtorno cuja compreensão etiológica deve ser biopsicossocial, contribuindo para assinalar novas direções nas pesquisas voltadas para a cognição social dos psicopatas.
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Emotion Recognition and Perspective Taking: A Comparison between Typical and Incarcerated Male Adolescents. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170646. [PMID: 28122048 PMCID: PMC5266284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research suggests that antisocial individuals present impairment in social cognitive processing, more specifically in emotion recognition (ER) and perspective taking (PT). The first aim of the present study was to investigate the recognition of a wide range of emotional expressions and visual PT capacities in a group of incarcerated male adolescents in comparison to a matched group of community adolescents. Secondly, we sought to explore the relationship between these two mechanisms in relation to psychopathic traits. Methods Forty-five male adolescents (22 incarcerated adolescents (Mage = 16.52, SD = 0.96) and 23 community adolescents (Mage = 16.43, SD = 1.41)) participated in the study. ER abilities were measured using a dynamic and multimodal task that requires the participants to watch short videos in which trained actors express 14 emotions. PT capacities were examined using a task recognized and proven to be sensitive to adolescent development, where participants had to follow the directions of another person whilst taking into consideration his perspective. Results We found a main effect of group on emotion recognition scores. In comparison to the community adolescents, the incarcerated adolescents presented lower recognition of three emotions: interest, anxiety and amusement. Analyses also revealed significant impairments in PT capacities in incarcerated adolescents. In addition, incarcerated adolescents’ PT scores were uniquely correlated to their scores on recognition of interest. Conclusions The results corroborate previously reported impairments in ER and PT capacities, in the incarcerated adolescents. The study also indicates an association between impairments in the recognition of interest and impairments in PT.
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White SF, Briggs-Gowan MJ, Voss JL, Petitclerc A, McCarthy K, R Blair RJ, Wakschlag LS. Can the fear recognition deficits associated with callous-unemotional traits be identified in early childhood? J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2016; 38:672-84. [PMID: 27167866 PMCID: PMC5155588 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2016.1149154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Callous-unemotional (CU) traits in the presence of conduct problems are associated with increased risk of severe antisocial behavior. Developmentally sensitive methods of assessing CU traits have recently been generated, but their construct validity in relation to neurocognitive underpinnings of CU has not been demonstrated. The current study sought to investigate whether the fear-specific emotion recognition deficits associated with CU traits in older individuals are developmentally expressed in young children as low concern for others and punishment insensitivity. METHOD A subsample of 337 preschoolers (mean age 4.8 years, SD = 0.8) who completed neurocognitive tasks was taken from a larger project of preschool psychopathology. Children completed an emotional recognition task in which they were asked to identify the emotional face from the neutral faces in an array. CU traits were assessed using the Low Concern (LC) and Punishment Insensitivity (PI) subscales of the Multidimensional Assessment Profile of Disruptive Behavior (MAP-DB), which were specifically designed to differentiate the normative misbehavior of early childhood from atypical patterns. RESULTS High LC, but not PI, scores were associated with a fear-specific deficit in emotion recognition. Girls were more accurate than boys in identifying emotional expressions but no significant interaction between LC or PI and sex was observed. CONCLUSIONS Fear recognition deficits associated with CU traits in older individuals were observed in preschoolers with developmentally defined patterns of low concern for others. Confirming that the link between CU-related impairments in empathy and distinct neurocognitive deficits is present in very young children suggests that developmentally specified measurement can detect the substrates of these severe behavioral patterns beginning much earlier than prior work. Exploring the development of CU traits and disruptive behavior disorders at very early ages may provide insights critical to early intervention and prevention of severe antisocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart F White
- a Section on Affective Cognitive Neuroscience , National Institute of Mental Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | | | - Joel L Voss
- c Department of Medical Social Sciences , Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Amelie Petitclerc
- c Department of Medical Social Sciences , Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | | | - R James R Blair
- a Section on Affective Cognitive Neuroscience , National Institute of Mental Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Lauren S Wakschlag
- c Department of Medical Social Sciences , Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
- d Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
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Vyas K, Jameel L, Channon S. The influence of subclinical psychopathic traits on responding to others' awkward requests. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2016; 21:228-41. [PMID: 27112215 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2016.1174681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychopathy is characterised by a postulated deficit in emotional empathy, with intact cognitive empathy. Although studies have examined performance on laboratory tasks within incarcerated populations, there is a paucity of work exploring how subclinical psychopathic traits translate into everyday social interactions. METHODS The present study investigated this by screening 502 university students with the Psychopathic Personality Inventory and comparing 20 high-scoring (10F; mean age = 19.85 years) and 19 low-scoring (15F; mean age = 21.00 years) participants on their responses to the Social Strategy Task. This comprises social scenarios that each end with an awkward request posed by the main character. Participants provided verbal responses and rated the awkwardness of each situation. Verbal responses were classified into positive or negative social strategies, denoting the extent of compliance with requests. RESULTS The groups were compared using analysis of variance and t-tests. The high psychopathic trait group used fewer positive social strategies than the low group was less polite in emotional tone and perceived situations as less awkward. CONCLUSIONS The findings are considered in relation to the postulated dissociation between intact cognitive empathy and impaired emotional empathy. The potential implications for clinical interventions are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Vyas
- a Department of Experimental Psychology , University College London , London , UK
| | - Leila Jameel
- a Department of Experimental Psychology , University College London , London , UK
| | - Shelley Channon
- a Department of Experimental Psychology , University College London , London , UK
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Michalska KJ, Zeffiro TA, Decety J. Brain response to viewing others being harmed in children with conduct disorder symptoms. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2016; 57:510-9. [PMID: 26472591 PMCID: PMC4789171 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficient empathic processing is thought to foster conduct disorder (CD). It is important to determine the extent to which neural response associated with perceiving harm to others predicts CD symptoms and callous disregard for others. METHODS A total of 107 9- to 11-year-old children (52 female) were recruited from pediatric and mental health clinics, representing a wide range of CD symptoms. Children were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging while viewing brief video clips of persons being harmed intentionally or accidentally. RESULTS Perceiving harm evoked increased hemodynamic response in the anterior insula (aINS), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, periaqueductal gray (PAG), caudate, and inferior parietal lobe (IPL) across all participants. Intentionally caused, relative to unintentional harm was associated with greater activity in the aINS, amygdala, and temporal pole. There was an inverse association of number of CD symptoms with right posterior insula in both the Harm > No Harm and the Intentional > Unintentional Harm contrasts. Furthermore, an inverse association between callousness and posterior insula activation was found in the Harm > No Harm contrast, with the opposite pattern for reactive aggression scores. An interaction revealed a stronger association in girls between CD symptoms and the right posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) in the Intentional Harm versus Unintentional Harm contrast. CONCLUSIONS Children with greater CD and callousness exhibit dampened hemodynamic response to viewing others being harmed in the insula, a region which plays a key role in empathy and emotional awareness. Sex differences in the neural correlates of CD were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina J. Michalska
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, IL, USA,National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA,Department of Human Development, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Thomas A. Zeffiro
- Neural Systems Group, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Jean Decety
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, IL, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago Medicine, IL, USA
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Vera-Estay E, Seni AG, Champagne C, Beauchamp MH. All for One: Contributions of Age, Socioeconomic Factors, Executive Functioning, and Social Cognition to Moral Reasoning in Childhood. Front Psychol 2016; 7:227. [PMID: 27014110 PMCID: PMC4781849 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Moral reasoning (MR) is a socio-cognitive skill essential to appropriate social functioning in childhood, and evolves in quality and complexity during ontogenetic development. Past research suggests that MR is related to age, socioeconomic factors, as well as some social and cognitive skills, such as executive functioning (EF), theory of mind (ToM), empathy, and affect recognition. However, their contributions have been studied in silos rather than comprehensively, with little integration of the relative and combined contribution of these skills to MR. Furthermore, few studies have addressed the putative links between these factors in childhood, a period during which these skills are in maturation. The aim of this study was to explore what factors predict moral maturity in typically developing children (n = 76, 47.4% males, M = 9.2, SD = 1.67 years), explore the potential moderating and mediating role of executive functions and social cognition in the relationship between age and MR maturity, and identify the specific contributions of age, socioeconomic factors, EF, and social cognition, using an innovative visual MR assessment tool (So-Moral). The results indicate that MR maturity was correlated with age, EF (inhibition, verbal fluency, and attentional control), and social cognition (ToM and affect recognition). Neither EF nor social cognition moderated the effect of age on MR maturity. However, verbal fluency and third-order false beliefs had a moderating role in this link. MR maturity in children was predicted by three variables from each of the three domains: age, verbal fluency, and third-order ToM. These results contribute to a better understanding of the underpinnings of MR during childhood, suggesting that MR is not reducible to general developmental factors such as age, but that higher order skills, such EF and social cognition also contribute to moral maturity. The findings have relevance for both typically developing and clinical populations in which social skills may be reduced, as well as for the identification of potential loci for intervention in children at-risk for socially maladaptive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Vera-Estay
- Department of Psychology, University of MontrealMontreal, QC, Canada; Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, MontrealQC, Canada
| | - Anne G Seni
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Miriam H Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, University of MontrealMontreal, QC, Canada; Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, MontrealQC, Canada
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Trubanova A, Kim I, Coffman MC, Bell MA, Richey JA, LaConte SM, Gracanin D, White SW. The Role of Perspective-Taking on Ability to Recognize Fear. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 6:22-30. [PMID: 28105290 PMCID: PMC5241087 DOI: 10.3844/crpsp.2015.22.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Impairment in the ability to detect certain emotions, such as fear, is linked to multiple disorders and follows a pattern of inter-individual variability and intra-individual stability over time. Deficits in fear recognition are often related to social and interpersonal difficulties but the mechanisms by which this processing deficit might occur are not well understood. One potential mechanism through which impaired fear detection may influence social competency is through diminished perspective-taking, the ability to perceive and consider the point of view of another individual. In the current study, we hypothesized that intra-individual variability in the accuracy of facial emotion recognition is linked to perspective-taking abilities in a well-characterized, non-clinical adult sample. Results indicated that the ability to accurately detect fear in the faces of others was positively correlated with perspective-taking, consistent with initial hypotheses. This relationship appeared to be unique to recognition of fear, as perspective-taking was not significantly associated with recognition of the other basic emotions. Results from this study represent an initial step towards establishing a potential mechanism between some processes of FER and perspective-taking difficulties. It is important to establish the relationship between these processes in a non-clinical adult sample so that we can consider the possibility of a developmental or pathological influence of impoverished perspective-taking on fear perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Trubanova
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Inyoung Kim
- Department of Statistics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Marika C. Coffman
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Martha Ann Bell
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - J. Anthony Richey
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Stephen M. LaConte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Denis Gracanin
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Susan W. White
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Kimonis ER, Fanti KA, Frick PJ, Moffitt TE, Essau C, Bijttebier P, Marsee MA. Using self-reported callous-unemotional traits to cross-nationally assess the DSM-5 'With Limited Prosocial Emotions' specifier. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2015; 56:1249-61. [PMID: 25360875 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of callous-unemotional (CU) traits designates an important subgroup of antisocial youth at risk for severe, persistent, and impairing conduct problems. As a result, the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual includes a specifier for youth meeting diagnostic criteria for Conduct Disorder who show elevated CU traits. The current study evaluated the DSM-5 criteria using Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses and evaluated two methods for using a self-report measure of CU traits to make this diagnosis. METHODS The sample included 2257 adolescent (M age = 15.64, SD = 1.69 years) boys (53%) and girls (47%) from community and incarcerated settings in the United States and the European countries of Belgium, Germany, and Cyprus. RESULTS IRT analyses suggested that four- or eight-item sets from the self-report measure (comparable to the symptoms used by the DSM-5 specifier) provided good model fit, suggesting that they assess a single underlying CU construct. Further, the most stringent method of scoring the self-report scale (i.e. taking only the most extreme responses) to approximate symptom presence provided the best discrimination in IRT analyses, showed reasonable prevalence rates of the specifier, and designated community adolescents who were highly antisocial, whereas the less stringent method best discriminated detained youth. CONCLUSIONS Refined self-report scales developed on the basis of IRT findings provided good assessments of most of the symptoms used in the DSM-5 criteria. These scales may be used as one component of a multimethod assessment of the 'With Limited Prosocial Emotions' specifier for Conduct Disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva R Kimonis
- The School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kostas A Fanti
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Paul J Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Learning Sciences Institute of Australia, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Vic, Australia
| | - Terrie E Moffitt
- Duke Psychology and Neuroscience Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Durham, NC, USA.,Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Cecilia Essau
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Roehampton University, London, UK
| | | | - Monica A Marsee
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Fanti KA, Kyranides MN, Panayiotou G. Facial reactions to violent and comedy films: Association with callous-unemotional traits and impulsive aggression. Cogn Emot 2015; 31:209-224. [PMID: 26469744 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2015.1090958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The current study adds to prior research by investigating specific (happiness, sadness, surprise, disgust, anger and fear) and general (corrugator and zygomatic muscle activity) facial reactions to violent and comedy films among individuals with varying levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits and impulsive aggression (IA). Participants at differential risk of CU traits and IA were selected from a sample of 1225 young adults. In Experiment 1, participants (N = 82) facial expressions were recorded while they watched violent and comedy films. Video footage of participants' facial expressions was analysed using FaceReader, a facial coding software that classifies facial reactions. Findings suggested that individuals with elevated CU traits showed reduced facial reactions of sadness and disgust to violent films, indicating low empathic concern in response to victims' distress. In contrast, impulsive aggressors produced specifically more angry facial expressions when viewing violent and comedy films. In Experiment 2 (N = 86), facial reactions were measured by monitoring facial electromyography activity. FaceReader findings were verified by the reduced facial electromyography at the corrugator, but not the zygomatic, muscle in response to violent films shown by individuals high in CU traits. Additional analysis suggested that sympathy to victims explained the association between CU traits and reduced facial reactions to violent films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Fanti
- a Department of Psychology , University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | | | - Georgia Panayiotou
- a Department of Psychology , University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus.,b Center for Applied Neuroscience , University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus
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Chikovani G, Babuadze L, Iashvili N, Gvalia T, Surguladze S. Empathy costs: Negative emotional bias in high empathisers. Psychiatry Res 2015; 229:340-6. [PMID: 26235473 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Excessive empathy has been associated with compassion fatigue in health professionals and caregivers. We investigated an effect of empathy on emotion processing in 137 healthy individuals of both sexes. We tested a hypothesis that high empathy may underlie increased sensitivity to negative emotion recognition which may interact with gender. Facial emotion stimuli comprised happy, angry, fearful, and sad faces presented at different intensities (mild and prototypical) and different durations (500ms and 2000ms). The parameters of emotion processing were represented by discrimination accuracy, response bias and reaction time. We found that higher empathy was associated with better recognition of all emotions. We also demonstrated that higher empathy was associated with response bias towards sad and fearful faces. The reaction time analysis revealed that higher empathy in females was associated with faster (compared with males) recognition of mildly sad faces of brief duration. We conclude that although empathic abilities were providing for advantages in recognition of all facial emotional expressions, the bias towards emotional negativity may potentially carry a risk for empathic distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Chikovani
- Ilia State University, Cholokashvili Avenue 3/5, Tbilisi 0162, Georgia
| | - Lasha Babuadze
- Ilia State University, Cholokashvili Avenue 3/5, Tbilisi 0162, Georgia
| | - Nino Iashvili
- Ilia State University, Cholokashvili Avenue 3/5, Tbilisi 0162, Georgia
| | - Tamar Gvalia
- Ilia State University, Cholokashvili Avenue 3/5, Tbilisi 0162, Georgia
| | - Simon Surguladze
- Ilia State University, Cholokashvili Avenue 3/5, Tbilisi 0162, Georgia; King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, PO Box 69, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8 AF, UK.
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Lui JHL, Barry CT, Sacco DF. Callous-unemotional traits and empathy deficits: Mediating effects of affective perspective-taking and facial emotion recognition. Cogn Emot 2015; 30:1049-62. [PMID: 26192073 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2015.1047327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although empathy deficits are thought to be associated with callous-unemotional (CU) traits, findings remain equivocal and little is known about what specific abilities may underlie these purported deficits. Affective perspective-taking (APT) and facial emotion recognition may be implicated, given their independent associations with both empathy and CU traits. The current study examined how CU traits relate to cognitive and affective empathy and whether APT and facial emotion recognition mediate these relations. Participants were 103 adolescents (70 males) aged 16-18 attending a residential programme. CU traits were negatively associated with cognitive and affective empathy to a similar degree. The association between CU traits and affective empathy was partially mediated by APT. Results suggest that assessing mechanisms that may underlie empathic deficits, such as perspective-taking, may be important for youth with CU traits and may inform targets of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce H L Lui
- a Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi , Hattiesburg , MS , USA
| | - Christopher T Barry
- a Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi , Hattiesburg , MS , USA
| | - Donald F Sacco
- a Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi , Hattiesburg , MS , USA
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MacKay JRD, Haskell MJ. Consistent Individual Behavioral Variation: The Difference between Temperament, Personality and Behavioral Syndromes. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:455-78. [PMID: 26479368 PMCID: PMC4598688 DOI: 10.3390/ani5030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The interchangeable usage of the words “personality”, “temperament” and “behavioral syndromes” in animal behavior research has often led to confusion. In this paper, we devise a framework for describing the behavioral phenomenon, betweenindividual/between-population variation, and between/across context variation. This framework can be used to give unique definitions of the three terms, supported by previous literature, giving clarity moving forward in the field of animal behavior. Abstract Ethologists use a variety of terminology such as “personality”, “temperament” and “behavioral syndromes” almost interchangeably to discuss the phenomenon of individuals within a population of animals consistently varying from one another in their behavioral responses to stimuli. This interchangeable usage of terminology has contributed to confusion within the field of animal behavior and limits the study of the phenomenon. Here we use a rapid, non-exhaustive and repeatable search strategy literature review to investigate where there were unique distinctions between these three terms and where there was an overlap in their usage. We identified three main areas of confusion in terminology: historical usage which is not updated; a lack of precision between different fields of study; and a lack of precision between different levels of variation. We propose a framework with which to understand and define the terms based on the levels of variation ethologists are interested in. Consistent individual animal behavioral variation relates to the different structures of variation of between-individual/between-population and between and across contexts. By formalizing this framework we provide clarity between the three terms which can be easily defined and understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill R D MacKay
- Scotland's Rural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JGF, UK.
| | - Marie J Haskell
- Scotland's Rural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JGF, UK.
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Lawrence K, Campbell R, Skuse D. Age, gender, and puberty influence the development of facial emotion recognition. Front Psychol 2015; 6:761. [PMID: 26136697 PMCID: PMC4468868 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our ability to differentiate between simple facial expressions of emotion develops between infancy and early adulthood, yet few studies have explored the developmental trajectory of emotion recognition using a single methodology across a wide age-range. We investigated the development of emotion recognition abilities through childhood and adolescence, testing the hypothesis that children's ability to recognize simple emotions is modulated by chronological age, pubertal stage and gender. In order to establish norms, we assessed 478 children aged 6-16 years, using the Ekman-Friesen Pictures of Facial Affect. We then modeled these cross-sectional data in terms of competence in accurate recognition of the six emotions studied, when the positive correlation between emotion recognition and IQ was controlled. Significant linear trends were seen in children's ability to recognize facial expressions of happiness, surprise, fear, and disgust; there was improvement with increasing age. In contrast, for sad and angry expressions there is little or no change in accuracy over the age range 6-16 years; near-adult levels of competence are established by middle-childhood. In a sampled subset, pubertal status influenced the ability to recognize facial expressions of disgust and anger; there was an increase in competence from mid to late puberty, which occurred independently of age. A small female advantage was found in the recognition of some facial expressions. The normative data provided in this study will aid clinicians and researchers in assessing the emotion recognition abilities of children and will facilitate the identification of abnormalities in a skill that is often impaired in neurodevelopmental disorders. If emotion recognition abilities are a good model with which to understand adolescent development, then these results could have implications for the education, mental health provision and legal treatment of teenagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Lawrence
- Department of Psychology, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London UK
| | - Ruth Campbell
- Deafness Cognition and Language Centre, University College London London, UK
| | - David Skuse
- Behavioural and Brain Sciences Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London UK
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Robinson EV, Rogers R. Empathy Faking in Psychopathic Offenders: The Vulnerability of Empathy Measures. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-015-9479-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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