Perceived Containment as a Mediator in the Association between Callous-unemotional Traits and Behavioral Problems in Detained Youth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Perceived containment, the belief that authorities can effectively set limits on behavior, may explain why behavioral interventions produce moderate effects in youth exhibiting callous-unemotional traits. Examining whether callous-unemotional traits and perceived containment work together to confer risk for antisocial behaviors has implications for both screening and intervention in detained populations. In a sample of detained youth (Mage = 15.94; 70.4% Male), path analyses indicated that perceived containment mediated the association between callous-unemotional traits and behavioral problems characterized by challenging the authority of facility staff. Implications for screening and identification of individuals in need of additional support as well as a potential cognitive target for intervention are discussed.