Parenting Behaviors as Moderator of the Relationship Between Aggressive Behaviors and Callous-Unemotional Traits in Youth

Abstract

[Purpose]

  One variable that promotes aggressive youth behaviors is the callous-unemotional (CU) trait, a temperament characterized by low empathy and emotional insensitivity. Additionally, parenting behaviors were identified as possible moderating variables influencing the relationship between aggressive behaviors and CU traits. However, empirical research examining the moderating effects of parenting behaviors on the relationship between aggressive behaviors and CU traits in youth remains limited. This study aimed to clarify the moderating effect of parenting behaviors on the relationship between aggressive behaviors and CU traits.

[Methods]

  This study used the data from Child and Adolescent Mental health reported by Parent Study (CAMP Study). A sample of 1,800 parents of children in 1st–9th grade was analyzed. The study focused on parent-reported measures of youth aggressive behavior and CU traits, including positive and negative parenting behaviors.

[Results]

  The results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that interactions between CU traits and positive parenting behaviors (β = −.12, p < .001) and CU traits and negative parenting behaviors (β = .09, p < .001) were significant, suggesting a moderating effect of parenting behaviors. Simple slope analysis revealed substantial differences in aggressive behaviors related to CU traits across both high and low levels of positive parenting. However, this difference was greater in the low-positive parenting group. Similarly, significant differences were observed in aggressive behaviors across high and low levels of negative parenting, with greater differences observed in the highly negative parenting group.

[Discussion]

  This study suggested that high levels of positive parenting may reduce aggressive behaviors even in children with high CU traits. Conversely, low levels of negative parenting may reduce aggressive behavior in children with high CU traits. Future research should build on these findings by conducting longitudinal and interventional studies to examine these relationships further.