Callous-unemotional traits can be viewed as precursors to childhood psychopathy (Barry et al., 2000; Frick, 1998; Frick et al., 2000). They are also understood to be a complex and multidimensional construct encompassing affective and interpersonal aspects (Frick & Ray, 2015). Children who display callous-unemotional traits typically lack regret and empathy, engage in manipulative behaviors for their own benefit, and express their emotions in a shallow way (Frick & White, 2008). The examination of callous-unemotional traits has gained significant attention in the field of developmental psychology and psychiatry due to its association with various negative outcomes, including antisocial behavior (Waller et al., 2013, 2017; Zych et al., 2019), impairments in moral development (Craig et al., 2021), and conduct disorder (Frick et al., 2003a, 2003b). Understanding the etiology and factors contributing to CU traits is crucial for effective intervention and prevention strategies (Hawes et al., 2014a).
Callous-unemotional traits can be defined by three distinct dimensions: callousness, uncaring, and unemotionality. Callousness represents a state characterized by an absence of remorse and concern for others. Uncaring, on the other hand, denotes a general indifference towards both others and one's own performance. Lastly, unemotionality signifies a limited display or expression of emotions (Cardinale & Marsh, 2020). To evaluate callous-unemotional traits in children and adolescents, researchers often utilize the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) questionnaire (Frick, 2004; Gao & Zhang, 2016; Houghton et al., 2013). The ICU has different versions (parents, teachers, and self-report versions), but no specific versions tailored to different age groups. The ICU consists of 24 items and includes the three mentioned subscales: callousness, uncaring, and unemotional traits (Frick, 2004). In this study, the German translation of the self-report questionnaire was used (Essau et al., 2006). Studies have found that a three-factor bifactor structure, comprising an overarching callous-unemotional trait and its underlying dimensions of callousness, uncaring, and unemotionality, yields the most favorable model fit across different samples (Cardinale & Marsh, 2020; Essau et al., 2006). Nevertheless, the dimension of unemotionality shows some methodological gaps (Cardinale & Marsh, 2020).
Factor Structure of Callous-unemotional Traits in Middle Childhood
Tomlinson et al. (2022) discuss that most work focused on adolescence (e.g., Essau et al., 2006; Pihet et al., 2015) or early childhood (e.g., Longman et al., 2016; Zumbach et al., 2021) rather than middle childhood (e.g., Gao & Zhang, 2016; Houghton et al., 2013). In this regard, middle childhood emerges as an interesting life stage because antisocial behavior is relatively more stable and less prevalent here than in adolescence (Moffitt, 2018; Tomlinson et al., 2022).
In the literature, various models of the factor structures of callous-unemotional traits and their associations with developmental outcomes in middle childhood are proposed. Willoughby et al. (2015) identified a two-factor model using the parent-report version of the ICU with first-grade children. This model differentiated empathic-prosocial (EP) behaviors from callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors and demonstrated their associations with oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Houghton et al. (2013) examined the ICU in children (self-report) aged 7.6 to 12.8 years and found a two-factor model with Uncaring and Callous Unemotional factors. This model was invariant across gender and age, with older children showing higher scores on the Uncaring dimension. Gao and Zhang (2016) explored the factor structure of the ICU in a community sample of 8- to 10-year-old boys and girls. They found a two-factor structure with Uncaring and Callousness factors for the self-report version. In contrast, the parent-report version supported a three-factor structure. CU traits were positively associated with conduct disorder and internalizing behavior symptoms. Ciucci et al. (2014) identified a three-factor model for CU traits (self-report) in children in grades 6 and 8, including callousness, uncaring, and unemotional subfactors. These factors contributed to an overarching general factor. CU traits correlated positively with school behavior problems, bullying, and reactive aggression, mainly influenced by the callousness and uncaring dimensions. It becomes clear that there are inconsistencies in the results of the factor structures.
Morality in Middle Childhood and Associations with Callous-unemotional Trait
In addition to the mentioned developmental outcomes in middle childhood, such as conduct disorder or internalizing problems (Gao & Zhang, 2016; Willoughby et al., 2015), callous-unemotional traits are also associated with impairments in moral development (Craig et al., 2021). Most analysis of associations between callous-unemotional traits and moral development were conducted in adolescence (Kokkinos et al., 2016; Schipper & Koglin, 2021; Vasconcelos et al., 2021) rather than in middle childhood (Thornberg & Jungert, 2017). Frick et al. (2014) suggested that callous-unemotional traits could be seen as a misdevelopment of conscience. The moral self refers to an individual's internalized sense of right and wrong, which guides their moral decisions and behaviors (Blasi, 1983, 2004; Kochanska, 2002). It can be presumed that children with high callous-unemotional traits might not perceive certain immoral decisions as wrong (Vasconcelos et al., 2021), as the internalization of moral values into the self is inhibited due to the lack of remorse (Cardinale & Marsh, 2020).
Current Study
The analysis of the psychometric properties of the ICU in middle childhood has increasingly been focused on (Gao & Zhang, 2016; Hawes et al., 2014b; Houghton et al., 2013; Willoughby et al., 2015). The studies have examined different models in different samples (Gao & Zhang, 2016; Hawes et al., 2014b; Houghton et al., 2013; Willoughby et al., 2015). However, no study has examined the factor structure in a German sample in middle childhood. Therefore, the study seeks to assess the psychometric structure of the ICU in a community sample of middle childhood participants from Germany. The aim of the study is to add to previous research and replicate findings of studies investigating the properties of the ICU in German samples (e.g., Essau et al., 2006; Zumbach et al., 2021) and of international studies focusing on children in middle childhood (e.g., Hawes et al., 2014b; Houghton et al., 2013; Willoughby et al., 2015). Additionally, to address the research gap concerning associations between callous-unemotional traits and moral development in middle childhood, additional correlation analyses are to be conducted between the identified factors and the moral self.