Social problem solving, conduct problems, and callous-unemotional traits in children.
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.
Waschbusch
Daniel A
DA
Department of Pediatrics, Center for Children and Families, University at Buffalo--State University of New York, 106 Diefendorf Hall, 3435 Main Street, Building 20, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA. dw35@buffalo.edu
Walsh
Trudi M
TM
Andrade
Brendan F
BF
King
Sara
S
Carrey
Normand J
NJ
D000339:Affect; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011340:Problem Solving; D012919:Social Behavior; D012938:Social Perception