Callous-Unemotional Traits and Conduct Problems: Applying the Two-Factor Model of Psychopathy to Children

Abstract

Summarizes the author's line of research completed over the last 5 yrs extending a 2-factor model of psychopathy (T. J. Harpur et al; 1989) for understanding children with conduct problems. A rating scale was developed to be completed by children's parents and teachers that captured both the callous-unemotional personality features and the impulsive-antisocial behavior pattern. This rating scale, the Psychopathy Screening Device was tested in a sample of 95 clinic-referred children (aged 6-13 yrs). Consistent with the findings in adults, 2 correlated dimensions emerged in factor analysis. The 1st factor included 10 items tapping poor impulse control and conduct problem behavior. The 2nd factor included 6 items related to a callous and unemotional interpersonal style. This factor was more divergent from traditional definitions of conduct problem behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)