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Assessment, Vol. 13, No. 4, 454-469 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1073191106287354

Callous-Unemotional Traits in a Community Sample of Adolescents

Cecilia A. Essau

Roehampton University

Satoko Sasagawa

Waseda University

Paul J. Frick

University of New Orleans

This study examined the structure, distribution, and correlates of a new measure of self-reported callous-unemotional (CU) traits in 1,443 adolescents (774 boys, 669 girls) between the ages of 13 to 18 years. The Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits was subjected to exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis produced three factors: callousness, uncaring, and unemotional. Fit indexes suggested that the three-factor model, with a single higher-order factor, represented a satisfactory solution for the data. This factor structure fits well for both boys and girls. CU traits correlated significantly with measures of conduct problems and psychosocial impairment. Furthermore, the traits showed predicted associations with sensation seeking and the Big Five personality dimensions, supporting the construct validity of the measure of CU traits.

Key Words: psychopathy • callous-unemotional traits • conduct problems • adolescents

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