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Dimensions of callousness in early childhood: Links to problem behavior and family intervention effectiveness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 April 2013

Luke W. Hyde ,
Daniel S. Shaw ,
Frances Gardner ,
Jeewon Cheong ,
Thomas J. Dishion  and
Melvin Wilson
Luke W. Hyde*
Affiliation:
University of Michigan University of Pittsburgh
Daniel S. Shaw
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh
Frances Gardner
Affiliation:
Oxford University
Jeewon Cheong
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh
Thomas J. Dishion
Affiliation:
University of Oregon Arizona State University
Melvin Wilson
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Luke W. Hyde, University of Michigan, 2251 East Hall, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109; E-mail: [email protected].
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Abstract

This study examined dimensions of callous behaviors in early childhood and the role of these behaviors in the development of conduct problems, as well as responsiveness to a family-centered preventative intervention. Caregiver reports of callous behaviors were examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Problem behavior was examined using within- and cross-informant reports of these behaviors. Parenting was measured using observational methods within the context of a randomized control trial of the Family Check-Up with a sample of 731 ethnically diverse boys and girls (followed from ages 2 to 4) at high risk for later conduct problems. Results demonstrated that a measure of deceitful–callous (DC) behaviors had acceptable factor loadings and internal consistency at ages 3 and 4. DC behaviors at age 3 predicted problem behavior concurrently and longitudinally within and across informant. However, DC behaviors did not reduce the effectiveness of the family preventative intervention. These findings have implications for our understanding of behaviors that may precede later callous–unemotional traits and for our understanding of the development and prevention of early starting conduct problems.

Type
Regular Articles
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 25 , Issue 2 , May 2013 , pp. 347 - 363
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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