Primary and Secondary Variants of Callous–Unemotional Traits in Early and Middle Childhood: Distinction, Evaluation and Empathic Differences

Payot, Morgane; Monseur, Christian; Stiévenart, Marie

doi:10.1007/s10578-023-01576-z

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…In conclusion, our preliminary and initial findings suggest that anticipatory fear deficits may be a characteristic of the primary variant of CU but require replication on larger samples for further substantiation. This conclusion is broadly consistent with prior work that demonstrates distinct psychophysiological and behavioral characteristics between the primary and secondary variants in children with conduct problems [ 60 , 61 ]. Further delineation of the heterogeneity in children with high CU traits may help advance our understanding of the developmental pathways to childhood antisocial behavior and improve treatment of antisocial individuals, particularly those on the primary CU path.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Primary and Secondary Variants of Callous-Unemotional Traits in Community Youths: Differences in Anticipatory Fear

Gao,

Raine

2024

Children

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Callous-unemotional (CU) traits refer to a cluster of characteristics such as low empathy, lack of remorse, and insensitivity to the emotions of others, delineating a group of youth at high risk for severe antisocial behavior. Two variants—primary and secondary CU—have been theorized to have different underlying mechanisms, although mixed findings have been reported. The current study examined if the variants differ in their level of anticipatory fear in 92 youths from the community (mean age = 14.2 years, range = 12.3–16.4 years; 43.5% female). Participants completed a countdown task while their heart rate and skin conductance responses were recorded. Parents and youths completed the inventory of callous-unemotional traits and the child behavior checklist. Compared to the control group (low CU/low anxiety), the primary CU group (high CU/low anxiety) showed prolonged heart rate deceleration in anticipation of the impending aversive stimulus. The secondary CU group (high CU/high anxiety) did not differ from the other two groups on heart rate or skin conductance responses. This prolonged heart rate deceleration in the primary CU group is interpreted in the context of the passive vagal coping theory of antisocial behavior which hypothesizes that an over-engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system reduces the impact of a socializing punishment, which in turn predisposes individuals to antisocial behavior. Findings provide further support for the distinct etiology of two variants of CU traits.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%