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This presentation includes findings from two studies examining callous-unemotional (CU) traits in children and school-related outcomes using a mixed methods approach. In the first study, participants comprised 39 boys aged between 12 and 13 years and eight teachers. Quantitative findings were consistent with past research indicating that CU traits are associated with insensitivity to punishment, controlling for autism symptoms, hyperactivity and conduct problems. Qualitative analysis indicated that teachers view children high in CU traits as responsive to fewer reward and discipline strategies than children low in CU traits. A second study replicated and extended initial study findings in a large, mixed gender sample to include examination of academic outcomes. Participants were 437 children (mean age 12.5 years; 50% girls; 95% White) attending a secondary school in England. Students reported on CU traits, hyperactivity/impulsivity and their English, Maths and Science exam grades were collated. Teacher interviews focussed on student behaviour at school, response to reward and discipline strategies, as well as teacher perspectives on how their relationship with each student related to his or her academic motivation and performance. Findings suggest that risk pathways for poor academic outcomes may differ for antisocial children high and low on CU traits, and emphasize the need to carefully select, modify and implement existing evidence-based classroom management strategies with high CU children.

Dr Jennifer Allen (PhD Macquarie University Sydney, Australia 2007) is a Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychology and Human Development, University College London.  Her research focuses on the role of environmental factors ( e.g., parenting, teacher-child interaction, stressful life events) in shaping risk, pathways for emotional and behavioural disorders: and the translation of models of risk and resilience into family and school-based interventions.  Jennifer's lab website is here: https://shineresearchlab.wixsite.com/home