More than a feeling? A Multidimensional Study of Emotionality in Children with Callous-Unemotional Traits

Abstract

Children with conduct problems and high callousunemotional (CP+CU) traits have unique affective profiles when compared to children with conduct problems and low callousunemotional traits (CP–CU; Frick et al, 2014). Those with CP+CU traits show impaired emotion processing, demonstrating deficits in the recognition and orientation to emotional cues, and consequentially limited emotional responsiveness (ER; Fanti, 2018). Reduced ER may affect key emotional learning processes, including the development of prosocial behaviours (Fowles & Kochanska, 2000). However, evidence of these effects is mixed and further research incorporating multi-method indices of ER is needed. This thesis is focused on expanding knowledge in this area. First, a systematic review outlines the importance of incorporating multiple measures of ER. Second, a replication and expansion on a study by Dadds et al. (2016) is presented. Differences between groups of children aged 28 years with CP+CU traits (n = 36), CP–CU traits (n = 82) and a community sample (n = 27) were explored in response to an attachment-related emotional stimulus (video excerpt from Disney’s The Lion King). Emotion-processing components measured included attention, ER (physiological, behavioural and self-report), emotion-motivated behaviour, emotional comprehension and quality of parentchild debriefing. Results from this thesis are provocative. Children with CP+CU traits demonstrated similar emotional responsiveness and comprehension as children with CP–CU traits and a community sample. Findings were not attributable to variances in attention. These results provide evidence that the problematic behaviours consistently demonstrated by children with CP+CU traits are attributable to ‘more than a feeling’. These findings have potential implications for how CU traits in early childhood are identified and may inform the development of more effective interventions.