Callous-Unemotional Traits Moderate the Relation Between Prenatal Testosterone (2D:4D) and Externalising Behaviours in Children

Blanchard, Alyson; Munoz Centifanti, Luna C.

Abstract

Children who exhibit callous-unemotional (CU) traits are identified as developing particularly severe forms of externalising behaviours (EB). A number of risk factors have been identified in the development of CU traits, including biological, physiological, and genetic factors. However, prenatal testosterone (PT) remains un-investigated, yet could signal fetal programming of a combination of CU/EB. Using the 2D:4D digit ratio, the current study examined whether CU traits moderated the relationship between PT and EB. Hand scans were obtained from 79 children aged between 5 and 6 years old whose parents completed the parent report ICU (Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits) and SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). CU traits were found to moderate the relationship between PT and EB so that children who were exposed to increased PT and were higher in CU traits exhibited more EB. Findings emphasize the importance of recognising that vulnerability for EB that is accompanied by callousness may arise before birth.

Citation

Blanchard, A., & Munoz Centifanti, L. C. (2016). Callous-Unemotional Traits Moderate the Relation Between Prenatal Testosterone (2D:4D) and Externalising Behaviours in Children. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 48, 668–677. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-016-0690-z

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Oct 12, 2016
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 1, 2023
• Journal: Child Psychiatry and Human Development
• Print ISSN: 0009-398X
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 48
• Pages: 668–677
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-016-0690-z