Understanding the social relationships of youth with callous-unemotional traits using peer nominations

Objective
The current study investigated the social and interpersonal correlates of callous-unemotional (CU) traits using peer nominations.

Method
Participants (N = 289) were children in Grades 3, 6, and 8 (Mage = 11.47 years, 40.1% male, 64.7% self-identified racial/ethnic minority) from two public school systems in the southern United States. Participants were asked to identify peers they believed fit a number of different characteristics hypothesized to be related to CU traits, in addition to individuals they “liked most” and “liked least.” We also obtained self- and teacher ratings of CU traits and parent and teacher ratings of conduct problems (CP).

Results
Factor analyses extracted three dimensions from peer nominations developed from past research describing social characteristics related to CU traits—being mean and aloof (Mean/Cold), untrustworthy and not nice (Not Nice), and dominant and manipulative (Desire for Dominance). Results indicated that CU traits were significantly associated with fewer “liked most” and greater “liked least” nominations, but not after controlling for CP. In contrast, both CP and CU traits were significantly independently associated with Mean/Cold nominations, and only CU traits were associated with Not Nice nominations when controlling for CP.

Conclusions
The findings from the current study suggest that CU traits are largely associated with traditional indices of peer rejection because of their level of CP. However, they contribute independently to perceptions of being mean, aloof, and untrustworthy. Thus, interventions focused on strengthening the social skills of children with elevated CU traits should consider ways to change these negative peer perceptions.