A latent profile analysis of callous-unemotional traits and emotional behavioural problems during early childhood in Singapore: predictive role of parenting practices

Abstract

Studies have used a person-centred approach to examine profiles of callous-unemotional traits with externalising problems in early childhood. Yet, there is a lack of research exploring heterogeneity of profiles with callous-unemotional traits and internalising problems, though they often co-occur. The current study addressed this gap by exploring the heterogeneity of profiles and examining how parenting practices predict the identified profiles. Mothers (n = 475; 48% female) from Singapore’s birth cohort study completed the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits, Child Behaviour Checklist, and Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire when their child was 6, 7 and 4.5 years old respectively. Firstly, latent profile analysis was conducted to delineate profiles of callousness and uncaring traits (CA/UN) with externalising (EXT) and internalising problems (INT). Four profiles emerged: mixed risk (7%; low CA/UN but high INT/EXT), high risk (8%, high on both CA/UN and INT/EXT), medium risk (51%; medium levels of CA/UN/INT/EXT), and low risk (34%; low on both CA/UN and INT/EXT). Next, multinomial logistic regression was done with group membership as an outcome variable, while maternal reports on harsh and supportive parenting practices were predictors. Children in the mixed risk and low risk group experienced more supportive parenting practices. Those belonging to the high risk group received more harsh parenting. This is the first study in Singapore to use a person-centred approach in examining different manifestations of callous-unemotional traits with emotional behavioural problems in early childhood. Findings show how heterogeneity between the profiles could be predicted by different parenting practices.