Work

Aetiology of the relationship between callous-unemotional traits and conduct problems in childhood

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A callous and unemotional disposition is an indicator of early-onset antisocial behaviour. AIMS: To investigate the extent to which genetic influences contribute to the overlap between callous-unemotional traits and conduct problems in a large population sample of 7-year-old twins. METHOD: Teachers provided ratings of callous-unemotional traits and conduct problems for 3434 twin pairs from the Twins Early Development Study. Model-fitting analyses were performed across the continuum of scores and at the extremes. RESULTS: The phenotypic relationship was primarily genetically mediated, both across the continuum and at the extremes and was substantial. CONCLUSIONS: At 7 years of age, genetic influences on callous-unemotional traits overlap substantially with genetic influences on conduct problems. This combination should guide selection criteria in future molecular genetic studies.

Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1192/bjp.190.5.s33

Authors: Essi Viding, Paul J. Frick, Robert Plomin

Institutions: King's College London, University College London, LSU New Orleans

Language: English

Topic: Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council