Social problem solving, conduct problems, and callous-unemotional traits in children

Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2007 Apr;37(4):293-305. doi: 10.1007/s10578-006-0033-6. Epub 2006 Nov 14.

Abstract

This study examined the association between social problem solving, conduct problems (CP), and callous-unemotional (CU) traits in elementary age children. Participants were 53 children (40 boys and 13 girls) aged 7-12 years. Social problem solving was evaluated using the Social Problem Solving Test-Revised, which requires children to produce solutions to eight hypothetical social problems, including five problems involving acquiring a desired object and three problems gaining access to a peer. Regression analyses showed that greater frequency of CP symptoms was associated with producing less flexible, relevant, and prosocial solutions and more overtly aggressive solutions. However, this pattern was present only when CU traits were low. Results add to a growing body of literature demonstrating that CU traits are an important moderator of CP in children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Affect*
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / diagnosis
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child
  • Conduct Disorder / diagnosis
  • Conduct Disorder / epidemiology
  • Conduct Disorder / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Problem Solving*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Perception