Factorial Structure of the Parent-Reported Version of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits Among Belgian Children: A Theory-Based Model

Abstract

The factorial structure of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional traits (ICU) is still under debate in the current literature and the published models are predominantly based on the empirical results of the statistical analyses rather than on a strong theoretical background. Aimed at overcoming these limits, the current study examined a factorial structure initiated by a theoretical framework for the parent-version of the ICU, based on a community sample of Belgian children aged 3–9 (N = 437; M age = 5.59; 54.7% boys). Further, the current study investigated measurement invariance across age and gender, and the external validity of this structure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that empirical factor models from the current literature demonstrated a relatively poor fit to the data. Alternative models were built based on theory, specifically criteria from the DSM-V specifier “with limited prosocial emotions.” CFA supported an 18-item second order model with three first order factors (Lack of conscience, Unconcern about performance, Lack of emotional expression), a second order latent factor (General dimension of CU traits) and a methodological factor encompassing negatively worded items. Results supported measurement invariance across child gender, and to a lesser extent across age. As expected, the general dimension correlated with measures of aggressive behavior, attention problems, internalizing behavior and empathy. The Lack of emotional expression subfactor showed a different pattern of associations in comparison to the two other subfactors. The implications of these findings are discussed, specifically in relation to the DSM-V LPE specifier.

General Transdiagnostic Specifier: The case of limited prosocial emotions

“…The detailed analysis of the four characteristics of LPE within the group of Latin American children and adolescents evaluated with the K-SADS-PL-5 allowed us to establish, through a latent classes analysis, core characteristics (lack of empathy and shallow of deficient affect), that are always present when the complete specifier was integrated, as well as ancillary characteristics (lack of guilt and lack of interest in performance) present or not when the complete specifier was integrated or when only one characteristic was present (de la Peña, Rosetti, Palacio, Palacios-Cruz, & Ulloa, 2022). This can be compared with a recent analysis done in Belgian children in which the authors proposed an alternative model based on theory for the ICU which supports a second order model with three first order factors (Lack of Conscience, Unconcern about Performance, Lack of Emotional Expres-sion), a second order latent factor (General Dimension of CU traits), and a methodological factor encompassing negatively worded items (Payot, Monseur, & Stievenart, 2022).…”

Conceptualizing Callous-Unemotional Traits in Chinese Preschoolers: Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance

“…Girls display more severe internalizing difficulties, whilst boys display more severe CU traits and concomitant externalizing problems [ 21 ]. Additionally, it has been proposed [ 22 ] that the factor structure of CU traits may change as a child develops. Throughout childhood, emotional expression and control evolve and may affect the unemotional component [ 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”