Exploring the development of callous-unemotional behaviors in preschoolers: a behavioral genetic approach
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Callous-unemotional behaviors (CU), characterized as low emotional sensitivity, impaired empathy, and a lack of guilt and remorse, are associated with negative developmental outcomes. The present dissertation project explored genetic and environmental contributions to: (1) the development of CU; (2) links between CU and parenting (i.e., parental positivity and negativity); and (3) links between CU, irritability, and externalizing problems in preschoolers. Studies 1 and 2 included 123 monozygotic and 187 dizygotic twin pairs at ages 3, 4 and 5. Study 3 included 264 monozygotic and 350 dizygotic twin pairs at age 3.It was hypothesized that genetic and nonshared environmental influences would contribute to change—both in terms of age-to-age instability and within-individual absolute-level patterns of change (Study 1). As predicted, instability in CU was due to both genetic and nonshared environmental influences; however, variation in developmental trajectories across the preschool period was primarily due to nonshared environmental influences.
In Study 2, it was hypothesized that CU would be associated with parental positivity and negativity within and across age, and that genetic influences would mediate these associations. In contrast to the predictions, only parental negativity was associated with CU, and these associations were environmentally mediated.
Study 3 tested the hypothesis that there would be common and unique genetic covariances between externalizing problems, CU, and irritability. This hypothesis was supported. There were common genetic, shared and nonshared environmental factors operating across all three domains. In addition, there were unique genetic and nonshared environmental links from CU to externalizing problems, and from irritability to externalizing problems. There were also genetic and nonshared environmental influences specific to externalizing problems.
Although CU is a genetically influenced trait, this research reveals the importance of environmental mechanisms on the development of early CU, on links between CU and parenting, and on associations between CU and related behavior problems. This has the potential to inform prognoses of early behavioral problems and avenues for intervention.
Description
2025
License
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International