A cross-sectional and longitudinal test of the low Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model of callous-unemotional traits among Spanish preschoolers

Despite advances in the theoretical and empirical literature, a better understanding of the etiological determinants of callousunemotional (CU) traits is needed. In this study, we tested the hypotheses advanced by the Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model, a theoretical framework...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Domínguez Álvarez, Beatriz, Romero Triñanes, Estrella, López Romero, Laura, Isdahl-Troye, Aimé, Wagner, Nicholas, Waller, Rebecca
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Universidad Pública de Navarra
Repositorio:Academica-e. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad Pública de Navarra
OAI Identifier:oai:academica-e.unavarra.es:2454/56559
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2454/56559
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Callous-unemotional traits
STAR model
Temperament
Fearlessness
Affiliation
Descripción
Sumario:Despite advances in the theoretical and empirical literature, a better understanding of the etiological determinants of callousunemotional (CU) traits is needed. In this study, we tested the hypotheses advanced by the Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model, a theoretical framework, which proposes that individual differences in two temperament dimensions, fearlessness and low affiliation, jointly contribute to the development of CU traits. Specifically, we examined the unique and interactive effects of fearlessness and low affiliation on CU traits, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally and within and across informants (teachers and parents) in a large community sample of Spanish preschoolers (N = 2467, 48.1% girls, M = 4.25 years; SD = 0.91). Both fearlessness and low affiliation were independently related to higher CU traits across models. Consistent with the purported relationships outlined in the STAR model, we also found that a significant interaction between fearlessness and low affiliation explained unique variance in CU traits. The results suggested that main and interactive effects were specific to CU traits and not to other related dimensions of psychopathic traits that are measurable in early childhood (i.e. grandiose-deceitfulness and impulse need of stimulation). Thus, we provide new empirical support to the hypotheses generated by the STAR model in relation to the development of CU traits. Fearlessness and low affiliation are potential targets of future child-focused interventions to prevent or treat the development of CU traits and childhood conduct problems.