BACKGROUND: Antisocial children with callous-unemotional (CU) traits appear to be disconnected from other people's emotions; although little is known about their experience of the parent-child emotional bond. This study examined parent-child attachment relationships and levels of CU traits in conduct-problem children. METHOD: Attachment classifications in boys (M = 6.31 years) with disruptive behaviour disorders were assessed using the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task. Multiple informants rated children's CU traits. RESULTS: Independent of severity of conduct problems, high levels of CU traits were associated with more insecure attachment; specifically, disorganised attachment representations; however, CU traits were not associated with avoidant representations. CONCLUSIONS: Among conduct-problem children, those higher on CU traits appear to be at increased risk of experiencing disruptions in parent-child attachment relationships; attachment may be an important area for treatment and prevention efforts for CU traits in young children.
BACKGROUND: Antisocial children with callous-unemotional (CU) traits appear to be disconnected from other people's emotions; although little is known about their experience of the parent-child emotional bond. This study examined parent-child attachment relationships and levels of CU traits in conduct-problem children. METHOD: Attachment classifications in boys (M = 6.31 years) with disruptive behaviour disorders were assessed using the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task. Multiple informants rated children's CU traits. RESULTS: Independent of severity of conduct problems, high levels of CU traits were associated with more insecure attachment; specifically, disorganised attachment representations; however, CU traits were not associated with avoidant representations. CONCLUSIONS: Among conduct-problem children, those higher on CU traits appear to be at increased risk of experiencing disruptions in parent-child attachment relationships; attachment may be an important area for treatment and prevention efforts for CU traits in young children.
Authors: Paulo A Graziano; Gregory Fabiano; Michael T Willoughby; Daniel Waschbusch; Karen Morris; Nicole Schatz; Rebecca Vujnovic Journal: Child Psychiatry Hum Dev Date: 2017-02
Authors: Natalie V Miller; Sarah M Haas; Daniel A Waschbusch; Michael T Willoughby; Sarah A Helseth; Kathleen I Crum; Erika K Coles; William E Pelham Journal: Behav Ther Date: 2013-11-01
Authors: William R Mills-Koonce; Nicholas J Wagner; Michael T Willoughby; Cynthia Stifter; Clancy Blair; Douglas A Granger Journal: J Child Psychol Psychiatry Date: 2014-07-03 Impact factor: 8.982