Callous-Unemotional Traits in a Community Sample of Adolescents

TLDR

This study examined the structure, distribution, and correlates of a new self‑reported callous‑unemotional trait measure in 1,443 adolescents aged 13–18. The Inventory of Callous‑Unemotional Traits was analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three‑factor structure—callousness, uncaring, and unemotional—supported by confirmatory analysis, fitting both sexes and correlating with conduct problems, psychosocial impairment, sensation seeking, and Big Five traits, thereby confirming the measure’s construct validity.

Abstract

This study examined the structure, distribution, and correlates of a new measure of self-reported callous-unemotional (CU) traits in 1,443 adolescents (774 boys, 669 girls) between the ages of 13 to 18 years. The Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits was subjected to exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis produced three factors: callousness, uncaring, and unemotional. Fit indexes suggested that the three-factor model, with a single higher-order factor, represented a satisfactory solution for the data. This factor structure fits well for both boys and girls. CU traits correlated significantly with measures of conduct problems and psychosocial impairment. Furthermore, the traits showed predicted associations with sensation seeking and the Big Five personality dimensions, supporting the construct validity of the measure of CU traits.