Assessing Callous‐Unemotional Traits in Adolescents: Determining Cutoff Scores for the Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits. Issue 3 (16th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Docherty, Meagan; Boxer, Paul; Huesmann, L. Rowell; O'Brien, Maureen; Bushman, Brad
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 73:Issue 3(2017:Mar.)
• Page Start: 257
• Page End: 278
• Publication Date: 2016-05-16
• Subjects: callous‐unemotional traits -- aggression -- violence -- delinquency -- adolescents; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22313
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: This study aims to establish a cut score for the Inventory of Callous‐Unemotional Traits, a well‐validated measure of callous‐unemotional (CU) traits in youth for which there is currently no cutoff score. Method: We analyzed data on 634 adolescents from high schools ( n = 343) and juvenile detention centers ( n = 291). Participants, their parents and guardians, and their teachers and staff members reported on participants' CU traits and aggressive/violent behavior. Results: All three reports of CU traits as well as intersource composites were associated with aggression, violence, and detained status. Parent report was a better indicator compared to self‐reports and teacher reports. Appropriate cut scores based on each report and composite were determined. Conclusion: We recommend that information from all available informants should be used whenever possible, but when only one informant report is feasible, parent reports are preferable.