High Callous-unemotional Traits Research Articles

Autonomic regulation and comorbid symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is regarded as transdiagnostic marker of emotion regulation and cognitive control capacity. We analysed vmHRV of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Based on previous research, we expected to find comorbid symptom dimensions (i.e. internalizing symptoms, conduct problems (CP), and callous unemotional (CU) traits) to relate to vmHRV measures. The sample comprised 100 (70 boys) medication naïve children with ADHD. Children were 6 to 11 years old. High frequency HRV (HF-HRV) was measured at rest and during a delay of gratification task. Additionally, sympathetic reactivity was assessed via skin conductance responses (SCR). Comorbid symptoms were assessed by parent-report questionnaires and clinical interviews. The multiple correlation between CU traits and the HF-HRV scores proved statistically significant. Higher CU traits were associated with higher HRV resting-state and response scores. CP were positively associated with the SCR score. In children with ADHD, increased CU traits might point to a comparatively less impaired self-regulation capacity in the reward-related context. The result corresponds to findings from previous studies. In the future, CU traits should be considered in analyses of autonomic regulation in ADHD.

Unique versus shared neural correlates of externalizing psychopathology in late childhood.

Childhood externalizing psychopathology is heterogeneous. Symptom variability in conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and callous-unemotional (CU) traits designate different subgroups of children with externalizing problems who have specific treatment needs. However, CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits are highly comorbid. Studies need to generate insights into shared versus unique risk mechanisms, including through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, we tested whether symptoms of CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits were best represented within a bifactor framework, simultaneously modeling shared (i.e., general externalizing problems) and unique (i.e., symptom-specific) variance, or through a four-correlated factor or second-order factor model. Participants (N = 11,878, age, M = 9 years) were from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. We used questionnaire and functional magnetic resonance imaging data (emotional N-back task) from the baseline assessment. A bifactor model specifying a general externalizing and specific CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits factors demonstrated the best fit. The four-correlated and second-order factor models both fit the data well and were retained for analyses. Across models, reduced right amygdala activity to fearful faces was associated with more general externalizing problems and reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity to fearful faces was associated with higher CU traits. ADHD scores were related to greater right nucleus accumbens activation to fearful and happy faces. Results give insights into risk mechanisms underlying comorbidity and heterogeneity within externalizing psychopathology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cortical structure and subcortical volumes in conduct disorder: a coordinated analysis of 15 international cohorts from the ENIGMA-Antisocial Behavior Working Group

Conduct disorder is associated with the highest burden of any mental disorder in childhood, yet its neurobiology remains unclear. Inconsistent findings limit our understanding of the role of brain structure alterations in conduct disorder. This study aims to identify the most robust and replicable brain structural correlates of conduct disorder. The ENIGMA-Antisocial Behavior Working Group performed a coordinated analysis of structural MRI data from 15 international cohorts. Eligibility criteria were a mean sample age of 18 years or less, with data available on sex, age, and diagnosis of conduct disorder, and at least ten participants with conduct disorder and ten typically developing participants. 3D T1-weighted MRI brain scans of all participants were pre-processed using ENIGMA-standardised protocols. We assessed group differences in cortical thickness, surface area, and subcortical volumes using general linear models, adjusting for age, sex, and total intracranial volume. Group-by-sex and group-by-age interactions, and DSM-subtype comparisons (childhood-onset vs adolescent-onset, and low vs high levels of callous-unemotional traits) were investigated. People with lived experience of conduct disorder were not involved in this study. We collated individual participant data from 1185 young people with conduct disorder (339 [28·6%] female and 846 [71·4%] male) and 1253 typically developing young people (446 [35·6%] female and 807 [64·4%] male), with a mean age of 13·5 years (SD 3·0; range 7-21). Information on race and ethnicity was not available. Relative to typically developing young people, the conduct disorder group had lower surface area in 26 cortical regions and lower total surface area (Cohen's d 0·09-0·26). Cortical thickness differed in the caudal anterior cingulate cortex (d 0·16) and the banks of the superior temporal sulcus (d -0·13). The conduct disorder group also had smaller amygdala (d 0·13), nucleus accumbens (d 0·11), thalamus (d 0·14), and hippocampus (d 0·12) volumes. Most differences remained significant after adjusting for ADHD comorbidity or intelligence quotient. No group-by-sex or group-by-age interactions were detected. Few differences were found between DSM-defined conduct disorder subtypes. However, individuals with high callous-unemotional traits showed more widespread differences compared with controls than those with low callous-unemotional traits. Our findings provide robust evidence of subtle yet widespread brain structural alterations in conduct disorder across subtypes and sexes, mostly in surface area. These findings provide further evidence that brain alterations might contribute to conduct disorder. Greater consideration of this under-recognised disorder is needed in research and clinical practice. Academy of Medical Sciences and Economic and Social Research Council.

Affective and Behavioral Responses to Time-Out in Preschool Children With Conduct Problems and Varying Levels of Callous-Unemotional Traits

Punishment insensitivity characterizes individuals with callous-unemotional (CU) traits. This has been put forward as an explanation for their persistent conduct problems despite intervention. The purpose of the current study was to compare the emotional and behavioral responses to parent-implemented time-out within a behavioral parent training intervention between children with conduct problems who are high versus low on CU traits. Children (N = 87; M age = 4.88 years, SD = 1.32; 78% male) referred to a specialty clinic for the treatment of conduct problems were observed and coded during time-out, and their parents rated their conduct problem severity and CU traits using psychometrically robust measures. Children with conduct problems and high CU traits showed significantly more calm/neutral emotion and less negative emotion upon initial placement in time-out by parents, but did not engage in more negative behaviors or spend longer in time-out relative to children with conduct problems alone. After a minimum of 3 weeks of exposure to this form of parental discipline, most children complied with effective parental commands in that they did not require time-out for noncompliance during the fourth discipline-focused treatment session. Findings have implications for understanding why children with CU traits continue showing high levels of conduct problems post behavioral interventions, and they lend further support for the need to personalize treatment to their distinct needs.

Callous-unemotional traits and pre-ejection period in response to reward.

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits have important utility in distinguishing individuals exhibiting more severe and persistent antisocial behavior, and our understanding of reward processing and CU traits contributes to behavioral modification. However, research on CU traits often investigated reward alongside punishment and examined solely on average reward reactivity, neglecting the reward response pattern over time such as habituation. This study assessed individuals' pre-ejection period (PEP), a sympathetic nervous system cardiac-linked biomarker with specificity to reward, during a simple reward task to investigate the association between CU traits and both average reward reactivity and reward response pattern over time (captured as responding trajectory). A heterogeneous sample of 126 adult males was recruited from a major metropolitan area in the US. Participants reported their CU traits using the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits and completed a simple reward task while impedance cardiography and electrocardiogram were recorded to derive PEP. The results revealed no significant association between average PEP reward reactivity and CU traits. However, CU traits predicted both linear and quadratic slopes of the PEP reactivity trajectory: individuals with higher CU traits had slower habituation initially, followed by a rapid habituation in later blocks. Findings highlight the importance of modeling the trajectory of PEP reward response when studying CU traits. We discussed the implications of individuals with high CU traits having the responding pattern of slower initial habituation followed by rapid habituation to reward and the possible mechanisms.

Objective Linguistic Markers Associated with Callous-Unemotional Traits in Early Childhood

Background. Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are associated with interpersonal difficulties and risk for severe conduct problems (CP). The ability to communicate thoughts and feelings is critical to social success, with language a promising treatment target. However, no prior studies have examined objective linguistic correlates of childhood CU traits in early childhood, which could give insight into underlying risk mechanisms and novel target treatments. Methods. We computed lexical (positive emotion, sad, and anger words) and conversational (interruptions and speech rate) markers produced by 131 children aged 5–6 years (M = 5.98; SD = 0.54, 58.8% female) and their parents while narrating wordless storybooks during two online visits separated by 6–8 weeks (M = 6.56, SD = 1.11; two books, order counterbalanced). Audio recordings were diarized, time-aligned, and orthographically transcribed using WebTrans. Conversational markers were calculated using R and word frequencies were calculated using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software. We examined links between child CU traits and linguistic markers, and explored whether relationships were moderated by child sex. Results. Higher CU traits were associated with fewer positive emotion words produced by parents and children. Higher CU traits were also associated with greater concordance in the degree of interruptions and expression of anger emotion words by parents and children. Conclusions. Results suggest that objective linguistic correlates of CU traits are detectable during early childhood, which could inform adjunctive treatment modules that improve outcomes by precisely tracking and targeting subtle communication patterns.

Deficits in emotion recognition and processing in children with high callous-unemotional traits: the role of the MAOA gene.

Children with high Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits show deficits in recognizing and processing facial expressions. Alterations in emotion recognition have been linked to a higher synaptic concentration of monoaminergic neurotransmitters. The current study investigated the relationship between the MAOA-Low-activity alleles and the ability to recognize and process facial expressions in 97 male children (8-12years old) diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorder. Participants completed a computerized emotion-recognition task while an eye-tracking system recorded the number (Fixation Count, FC) and length (Fixation Duration, FD) of fixations to the eye region of the emotional stimuli. Children with high CU traits exhibited lower scores in recognition of sadness and anger, and lower FC and FD for sadness and fear than children with low CU traits. Children carrying the MAOA-Low-activity alleles displayed lower FD for sadness, and FD and FC for fear than those carrying the MAOA-High-activity alleles. These genetic effects appeared even stronger in children with CU traits. Moderation analysis revealed that CU traits were associated with lower FC and FD for fear, and lower FD for sadness, probably due to the MAOA-Low-activity alleles. Our findings, although to be replicated, suggest MAOA-Low-activity alleles as potential genetic biomarkers to identify CU children in need of training focused on emotion processing.

The relationship between nature exposure and depression among Chinese prisoners: a moderated mediation model.

This study examined the association between self-reported nature exposure and depression among Chinese prisoners, as well as the mediating and moderating effects of meaning in life and callous-unemotional (CU) traits, respectively. Prisoners are more likely to experience depression than any other mental illness. Exposure to nature has been proposed as a highly cost-effective method of treating their depressive symptoms. However, the mechanism underlying the link between nature exposure and depression among prisoners needs further investigation, as the findings may provide new insights into how to address depression in incarcerated populations. Data were collected through a survey conducted in four prisons in southern China from April to May 2022. The participants were 574 prisoners who anonymously completed four questionnaires about nature exposure, meaning in life, depression, and CU traits. The results show that: (1) meaning in life significantly mediates the association between nature exposure and depression, and (2) CU traits moderate the connection between nature exposure and meaning in life. The current study uncovered that prisoners who contact more with the natural environment have a higher meaning in life and lower depression, and individuals with higher CU traits can benefit more from nature exposure.

Parasympathetic Nervous System Functioning Moderates the Associations between Callous-Unemotional Traits and Emotion Understanding Difficulties in Late Childhood.

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are characterized by low empathy, guilt, and prosociality, putting children at risk for lifespan antisocial behavior. Elevated CU traits have been linked separately to difficulties with emotion understanding (i.e., identifying emotional states of others) and disrupted parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) functioning. However, no study has investigated how PNS functioning and emotion understanding are jointly related to CU traits. We explored associations between CU traits, emotion understanding, and PNS functioning (indexed via respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) among children aged 7-10 years old (n = 55). We also tested whether deficits in emotion understanding differ across specific emotions (i.e., fear, pain, happiness, anger). Each child's RSA was continuously recorded while they watched a film that included emotionally evocative social interactions. To assess emotion understanding, children identified emotions replayed in 1s animations of scenes from the film. Parents reported on child CU traits, conduct problems, and demographic information. Higher CU traits were related to lower emotion understanding (β = -0.43, p = 0.03). PNS activity during the film moderated this association (β = -0.47, p < 0.001), such that CU traits were associated with lower emotion understanding among children with mean (B = -0.01, t = -2.46, p = 0.02) or high (i.e., 1 SD > M; B = -0.02, t = -3.00, p < 0.001) RSA levels during the film, but not among children with low RSA levels (i.e., 1 SD < M; B = 0.00, t = -0.53, p = 0.60). Moreover, we found that the observed moderated associations are driven by deficits in fear, specifically. The link between poorer emotion understanding, fear understanding in particular, and CU traits was attenuated for children who demonstrated patterns of PNS functioning consistent with attentional engagement while viewing the emotion stimuli.

Childhood conduct problems and parent–child talk during social and nonsocial play contexts: a naturalistic home-based experiment

Parent–child interactions are a critical pathway to emotion socialization, with disruption to these processes associated with risk for childhood behavior problems. Using computational linguistics methods, we tested whether (1) play context influenced parent–child socioemotional language, and (2) child conduct problems or callous-unemotional traits were associated with patterns of socioemotional or nonsocial language across contexts. Seventy-nine parent–child dyads (children, 5–6 years old) played a socioemotional skills (“social context”) or math (“nonsocial context”) game at home. We transcribed and analyzed game play, which had been audio recorded by participants. The social context elicited more socioemotional and cognitive words, while the nonsocial context elicited more mathematical words. The use of socioemotional language by parents and children was more strongly correlated in the social context, but context did not moderate the degree of correlation in cognitive or mathematical word use between parents and children. Children with more conduct problems used fewer socioemotional words in the social context, while children with higher callous-unemotional traits used fewer cognitive words in both contexts. We highlight the role of context in supporting socioemotionally rich parent–child language interactions and provide preliminary evidence for the existence of linguistic markers of child behavior problems. Our results also inform naturalistic assessments of parent–child interactions and home-based interventions for parents and children facing socioemotional or behavioral challenges.

Newborn Brain Function and Early Emerging Callous-Unemotional Traits

Children with high callous-unemotional traits are more likely to develop severe and persistent conduct problems; however, the newborn neurobiology underlying early callous-unemotional traits remains unknown. Understanding the neural mechanisms that precede the development of callous-unemotional traits could help identify at-risk children and encourage development of novel treatments. To determine whether newborn brain function is associated with early-emerging empathy, prosociality, and callous-unemotional traits. In this prospective, longitudinal cohort study, pregnant women were recruited from obstetric clinics in St Louis, Missouri, from September 1, 2017, to February 28, 2020, with longitudinal data collected until March 20, 2023. Mothers were recruited during pregnancy. Newborns underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging shortly after birth. Mothers completed longitudinal follow-up when the children were aged 1, 2, and 3 years. The sample was enriched for exposure to socioeconomic disadvantage. Functional connectivity between hypothesized brain regions was assessed using newborn-specific networks and voxel-based connectivity analyses. Children's callous-unemotional traits were measured using the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits. Empathy and prosociality were assessed using the Infant and Toddler Socio-Emotional Assessment. A total of 283 children (mean [SD] gestational age, 38 [2] weeks; 159 male [56.2%]; 2 Asian [0.7%], 171 Black [60%], 7 Hispanic or Latino [2.5%], 106 White [38%], 4 other racial or ethnic group [1.4%]) were included in the analysis. Stronger newborn functional connectivity between the cingulo-opercular network (CO) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was associated with higher callous-unemotional traits at age 3 years (β = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.17-0.41; P < .001). Results persisted when accounting for parental callous-unemotional traits and child externalizing symptoms. Stronger newborn CO-mPFC connectivity was also associated with lower empathy and lower prosociality at ages 1, 2, and 3 years using multilevel models (β = -0.12; 95% CI, -0.21 to -0.04; P = .004 and β = -0.20; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.10; P < .001, respectively). Newborn functional connectivity was associated with early-emerging empathy, prosociality, and callous-unemotional traits, even when accounting for parental callous-unemotional traits and child externalizing symptoms. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of empathy, prosociality, and callous-unemotional traits at the earliest developmental point may help early risk stratification and novel intervention development.

Diagnosing callous-unemotional personality traits by heart rate orienting responses to images inducing threat and distress

The present study aimed at developing a rather easily applicable method of testing physiological reactions to images of threats and misery. To this end, rapid-changing, transient heart rate orienting responses were used for gaining physiologically based, objective responses to the images. Additionally, subjective ratings were obtained. A significant insensitivity to other's welfare and well-being was already demonstrated as a core feature of callous-unemotional personalities. Thus, physiologically based methods may supplement and possibly improve existing assessments and, in particular, may contribute to a multimodal assessment of psychopathic traits. Out of a non-forensic community sample of 122 men, we selected two extreme groups of 30 participants with the lowest and highest callous-unemotional traits respectively, ascertained by questionnaires. As expected, participants with higher scores of callous-unemotional traits showed smaller responses to distress cues in both heart rate responses and subjective ratings. Moreover, within the group with high callous-unemotional traits heart rate responses to threatening as well as distress cues did not significantly differ from responses to neutral pictures. The study provides further evidence for the idea that a lack of responsiveness to distress cues may be seen as a central feature of callous-unemotional personalities.

Rapid white matter changes in children with conduct problems during a parenting intervention

Studies report that the microstructural integrity of the uncinate fasciculus (UF; connecting the anterior temporal lobe to the orbitofrontal cortex) is abnormal in adults with psychopathy and children with conduct problems (CP), especially those with high callous-unemotional (CU) traits. However, it is unknown if these abnormalities are ‘fixed’ or ‘reversible’. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that a reduction in CP symptoms, following a parenting intervention, would be associated with altered microstructural integrity in the UF. Using diffusion tensor imaging tractography we studied microstructural differences (mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD)) in the UF of 43 typically developing (TD) and 67 boys with CP before and after a 14-week parenting intervention. We also assessed whether clinical response in CP symptoms or CU traits explained changes in microstructure following the intervention. Prior to intervention, measures of MD and RD in the UF were increased in CP compared to TD boys. Following intervention, we found that the CP group had a significant reduction in RD and MD. Further, these microstructural changes were driven by the group of children whose CU traits improved (but not CP symptoms as hypothesized). No significant microstructural changes were observed in the TD group. Our findings suggest, for the first time, that microstructural abnormalities in the brains of children with CP may be reversible following parenting intervention.

Callous-unemotional Traits and Child Response to Teacher Rewards, Discipline, and Instructional Methods in Chinese Preschools: A Classroom Observation Study

Atypical responses to teacher rewards, discipline and different forms of instructional methods have been identified as potential contributors to disruptive behavior, low school engagement, and academic underachievement in children with elevated callous-unemotional (CU) traits. To date, research on CU traits in schools has relied on interview or questionnaire methods and has predominantly been conducted in Western countries. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the relationships between CU traits and children’s responses to teacher rewards, discipline and instructional methods in the Chinese preschool context using classroom observation. Eight teachers (7 females, 1 male; M = 37.66 years) and 116 children (56% girls; M = 5.16 years) from two mainstream Chinese preschools participated in the study. Of the 116 eligible children, the behavior of 108 children from four classes were observed during classroom activities. Findings indicated that CU traits were not related to children’s responses to discipline, nor did CU traits moderate the relationship between instructional methods and children’s academic engagement. Higher CU traits predicted a greater frequency of one-to-one teacher-child interaction. Our findings offer initial insights into the potential of early school-based interventions in fostering engagement and prosocial behavior among children with CU traits. However, they also highlight the need for additional support for preschool teachers, who face the challenge of managing these high-risk children who appear to require more individual time and attention.

Examining the relation among callous-unemotional traits and cortisol, alpha-amylase, and testosterone reactivity in legal system involved young men

Elevated callous-unemotional (CU) traits (e.g., lack of empathy, deficient guilt/remorse, and shallow affect) are associated with increased antisociality and distinct patterns of cognitive and emotional functioning. Previous investigations have suggested that deficits in physiological stress responses may underlie these associations, yet few studies simultaneously examine the multiple physiological systems responsible for mounting a stress response. To clarify how individuals with and without elevated CU traits respond to acute stress, the current study examined the association between CU traits and hormones released by three systems: cortisol from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, alpha-amylase from the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and testosterone from hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Specifically, we used fixed effect regression modeling to examine within-individual changes in each biomarker across the administration of a standardized laboratory stressor (Trier Social Stress Test) in a sample of 55 justice-involved young men (Mage= 22.84). Results indicated significant within-individual changes in cortisol, alpha-amylase, and testosterone following the stressor among those with low or average CU traits. However, those with high levels of CU exhibited no significant changes in their cortisol and testosterone levels. Furthermore, individuals with high CU traits exhibit an asymmetric stress response, such that alpha-amylase and testosterone levels were not associated with changes in cortisol levels. In sum, elevated CU traits were associated with blunted cortisol and testosterone reactivity and asymmetric response to stress. Additional work is needed to determine the behavioral and treatment implications of this distinct stress response.

Examining the relationship between resting heart rate and callous-unemotional traits in juvenile delinquency

PurposeBoth the resting heart rate (RHR) and the callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been associated with juvenile delinquency, however the effect of their interaction is not yet clear. MethodsFour hundred and twenty-three institutionalized adolescents divided into early adolescents (10–14 years, n = 133), late adolescents (15–17 years, n = 286), and young adults (18–22 years, n = 136) participated in the study. RHR was measured using a wristband, and CU traits and delinquency history were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Moderation analysis was performed to understand how the combination between RHR and CU is associated to offending. ResultsCU traits were associated with offending at all ages. The interactions between RHR and CU traits were significantly related to the likelihood of offending in the early and the late adolescent. The highest likelihood of offending is related to high CU traits combined with low RHR in early adolescents and with high RHR in late adolescents. ConclusionsThese findings provide further insight in the relationship between psychopathic traits and biophysiological maturation in explaining juvenile delinquency.

Efficiency of Heterogenous Functional Connectomes Explains Variance in Callous-Unemotional Traits After Computational Lesioning of Cortical Midline and Salience Regions.

Introduction: Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are a youth antisocial phenotype hypothesized to be a result of differences in the integration of multiple brain systems. However, mechanistic insights into these brain systems are a continued challenge. Where prior work describes activation and connectivity, new mechanistic insights into the brain's functional connectome can be derived by removing nodes and quantifying changes in network properties (hereafter referred to as computational lesioning) to characterize connectome resilience and vulnerability. Methods: Here, we study the resilience of connectome integration in CU traits by estimating changes in efficiency after computationally lesioning individual-level connectomes. From resting-state data of 86 participants (48% female, age 14.52 ± 1.31) drawn from the Nathan Kline institute's Rockland study, individual-level connectomes were estimated using graphical lasso. Computational lesioning was conducted both sequentially and by targeting global and local hubs. Elastic net regression was applied to determine how these changes explained variance in CU traits. Follow-up analyses characterized modeled node hubs, examined moderation, determined impact of targeting, and decoded the brain mask by comparing regions to meta-analytic maps. Results: Elastic net regression revealed that computational lesioning of 23 nodes, network modularity, and Tanner stage explained variance in CU traits. Hub assignment of selected hubs differed at higher CU traits. No evidence for moderation between simulated lesioning and CU traits was found. Targeting global hubs increased efficiency and targeting local hubs had no effect at higher CU traits. Identified brain mask meta-analytically associated with more emotion and cognitive terms. Although reliable patterns were found across participants, adolescent brains were heterogeneous even for those with a similar CU traits score. Conclusion: Adolescent brain response to simulated lesioning revealed a pattern of connectome resiliency and vulnerability that explains variance in CU traits, which can aid prediction of youth at greater risk for higher CU traits.

Connectome-based predictive modeling of empathy in adolescents with and without the low-prosocial emotion specifier

Empathy impairments are an important part of a broader affective impairments defining the youth antisocial phenotype callous-unemotional (CU) traits and the DSM-5 low prosocial emotion (LPE) specifier. While functional connectivity underlying empathy and CU traits have been well studied, less is known about what functional connections underly differences in empathy amongst adolescents qualifying for the LPE specifier. Such information can provide mechanistic distinctions for this clinically relevant specifier. The present study uses connectome-based predictive modeling that uses whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity data to predict cognitive and affective empathy for those meeting the LPE specifier (n = 29) and those that do not (n = 57). Additionally, we tested if models of empathy generalized between groups as well as density differences for each model of empathy between groups. Results indicate the LPE group had lower cognitive and affective empathy as well as higher CU traits and conduct problems. Negative and positive models were identified for affective empathy for both groups, but only the negative model for the LPE and positive model for the normative group reliably predicted cognitive empathy. Models predicting empathy did not generalize between groups. Density differences within the default mode, salience, executive control, limbic, and cerebellar networks were found as well as between the executive control, salience, and default mode networks. And, importantly, connections between the executive control and default mode networks characterized empathy differences the LPE group such that more positive connections characterized cognitive differences and less negative connections characterized affective differences. These findings indicate neural differences in empathy for those meeting LPE criteria that may explain decrements in empathy amongst these youth. These findings support theoretical accounts of empathy decrements in the LPE clinical specifier and extend them to identify specific circuits accounting for variation in empathy impairments. The identified negative models help understand what connections inhibit empathy whereas the positive models reveal what brain patterns are being used to support empathy in those with the LPE specifier. LPE differences from the normative group and could be an appropriate biomarker for predicting CU trait severity. Replication and validation using other large datasets are important next steps.

Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying Prosocial Decision Making in Callous-Unemotional Traits.

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are characterized by a lack of prosocial emotions, which has been demonstrated with prosocial behavior paradigms. While shaping our understanding of prosocial behavior in youth with CU traits, most of this work relies on outcomes that don't reliably capture cognitive processes during prosocial behavior. Examining prosocial cognitive processes can cue researchers into cognitive mechanisms underlying core impairments of CU traits. Drift diffusion modeling is a valuable tool for elucidating more precise outcomes of latent cognitive processes during forced choice tasks such as drift rate (information accumulation toward a decision boundary) and threshold separation (amount of information considered) as well as metrics outside of the decision-making processing including bias (starting point in decision process) and non-decision time (cognitive processes outside of choice). In a sample of 87 adolescents (12-14, 49% female) we applied diffusion modeling to a prosocial behavior task in which participants either accepted or rejected trials where a real monetary value was given to them and taken away from a charity (self-serving trial) or money was given to a charity and taken from them (donation trial). Results revealed that CU traits associated with information accumulation toward accepting self-serving trials. Exploratory sex differences suggested males trended toward rejecting donation trials and females considered more information during self-serving trials. CU trait associations were independent of conduct problems. Results suggest a unique cognitive profile that are differentiated by sex at higher CU traits when making prosocial decisions involving knowledge accumulation toward self-serving decisions.

Resting-state connectivity underlying cognitive control's association with perspective taking in callous-unemotional traits

Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits are often associated with impairments in perspective taking and cognitive control (regulating goal directed behavior); and adolescents with CU traits demonstrate aberrant brain activation/connectivity in areas underlying these processes. Together cognitive control and perspective taking are thought to link mechanistically to explain CU traits. Because increased cognitive control demands modulate perspective taking ability among both typically developing samples and individuals with elevated CU traits, understanding the neurophysiological substrates of these constructs could inform efforts to alleviate societal costs of antisocial behavior. The present study uses GIMME to examine the heterogenous functional brain properties (i.e., connection density, node centrality) underlying cognitive control's influence on perspective taking among adolescents on a CU trait continuum. Results reveal that cognitive control had a negative indirect association with CU traits via perspective taking; and brain connectivity indirectly associated with lower CU traits – specifically the social network via perspective taking and conflict network via cognitive control. Additionally, less negative connection density between the social and conflict networks was directly associated with higher CU traits. Our results support the growing literature on cognitive control's influence on socio-cognitive functioning in CU traits and extends that work by identifying underlying functional brain properties.