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

Alyson Blanchard1, Luna C Munoz Centifanti2

  • 1Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU, UK. alyson.blanchard@ntu.ac.uk.

Child Psychiatry and Human Development
|October 14, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal testosterone (PT) exposure, indicated by digit ratio, may increase severe externalizing behaviors (EB) in children with callous-unemotional (CU) traits. This suggests early-life factors influence childhood behavioral issues.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are linked to severe externalizing behaviors (EB) in children.
  • Known risk factors include biological, physiological, and genetic elements.
  • Prenatal testosterone (PT) as a fetal programming factor for CU/EB is un-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the moderating role of CU traits in the relationship between prenatal testosterone (PT) and externalizing behaviors (EB).
  • To explore prenatal factors contributing to the development of severe childhood behavioral issues.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the 2D:4D digit ratio as a proxy for prenatal testosterone (PT) exposure.
  • Collected hand scans from 79 children (ages 5-6 years).
  • Parents completed the Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits (ICU) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Main Results:

  • CU traits significantly moderated the association between PT and EB.
  • Children with higher PT exposure and higher CU traits exhibited more EB.
  • This indicates a combined effect of prenatal hormonal environment and dispositional traits.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal testosterone exposure may increase the risk for externalizing behaviors in children with callous-unemotional traits.
  • Vulnerability for EB accompanied by callousness might originate before birth.
  • Highlights the importance of early-life factors in understanding severe behavioral problems.

Keywords:
2D:4DCallous-unemotional traitsExternalising behavioursMaternal stressModerationPrenatal testosterone

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