Validating a Developmental Model of Primary and Secondary Callous-unemotional Traits
Elevated callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., lack of empathy, shallow affect, uncaring attitude) are associated with persistent aggressive and antisocial behaviour starting in early childhood. There is growing evidence of different pathways to the development of CU traits, known as primary and secondary variants. The current study examines a developmental model to primary and secondary CU traits that considers the development of emotion regulation through the attachment relationship. This project included two meta-analyses, including one published on CU traits and attachment and a second, forthcoming, on CU traits and emotion regulation. This project is supported by a SSHRC Insight Development Grant (#430-2020-00815).
It has been suggested that children with either variant have disruptions in the moral socialization process, leading to the development of CU traits. Moral socialization depends on the development of both the caregiver-child attachment relationship and emotion regulation as they unfold together. There is a gap, however, in understanding whether improvements in the attachment relationship can have an effect on the development of emotion regulation and alter the pathway to CU traits. Thus, the secondary goal of the project is to fill these two gaps in the literature and to test the malleability of CU traits using a parenting program that focuses on attachment. This study was presented at the Society for the Scientific Study of Psychopathy. This study was supported by a SSHRC Explore Grant through York University (#P2020-0034).
Currently, Dr. Craig is working with the SNAP program to understand how CU traits may change across a program targeting emotion regulation skills. This study aims to use an innovative approach by looking at whether changes in emotion regulation are associated with changes in CU traits. This study will include the psycho-physiological measurement of emotion reactivity and regulation. It has been funded in part by a Canadian Foundation of Innovation grant.
Selected Publications
Craig, S.G., Dawson, A., Chen, S., Pepler, D.J., & Moretti, M.M. (2024) A systematic review of attachment and CU traits in children and adolescents. Attachment and Human Development 26(2), 133–158.
Craig, S.G., Goulter, N., Andrade, B.A., & McMahon, R.J. (2021) Developmental precursors of primary and secondary callous unemotional traits in youth. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 54(2), 582-596
Goulter, N., Craig, S.G., & McMahon, R.J. (2021) Primary and secondary callous-unemotional traits in adolescence are associated with distinct maladaptive and adaptive outcomes in adulthood. Development and Psychopathology, 1-16.
Craig, S.G., Goulter, N., & Moretti, M.M. (2021) Understanding the different pathways to Callous Unemotional Traits: A Systematic Review of Primary and Secondary Variants in Youth. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 24(1), 65-91.
Craig, S.G., & Moretti, M.M. (2019) Profiles of Primary and Secondary Callous-Unemotional Features in Youth: The Role of Emotion Regulation. Development and Psychopathology. 31, 1489-1500.
Larstone, R.M., Craig, S.G., and Moretti, M.M. (2018). An attachment perspective on the development of callous and unemotional characteristics in children and teens. In W. J. Livesley & R.M. Larstone (Eds.), Handbook of personality disorders: Theory, research and treatment (Second Ed.). New York, NY, USA: Guilford Publications.