Social Cognition, Conduct Problems, and Callous-Unemotional Traits in Boys (1 CE)
Number of Credits: 1
This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and Marriage & Family Therapists
Course By: Ken Springer, PhD
Content By: Roberts, R., McCrory, E., Bird, G., Sharp, M., Roberts, L., & Viding, E. (2020). Thinking about others' minds: Mental state inference in boys with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, (48), 1279-1290.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-020-00664-1
Course Description: Studies show that children with conduct problems (CP) and high levels of callous-unemotional traits (HCU) are able to take the perspectives of others, but they may only do so selectively. The present study examined the conditions under which adolescent boys with CP/HCU can successfully mentalise (i.e., infer the perspectives and mental states of others). Three mentalising tasks were administered to a group of 11- through 16-year old boys with CP/HCU, a group of peers with CP who were low in callous-unemotional traits (CP/LCU), and a group of typically developing peers. The authors found no group differences in basic mentalisation abilities. However, the CP/HCU group performed more poorly than the other two groups on a complex, real-life task, particularly when making inferences about peoples' intentions. The authors concluded that boys with CP/HCU can successfully mentalise, but only in relatively uncomplicated situations. The results have implications for better understanding the social cognitive abilities and limitations of children with CP/HCU.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale for studying the mentalising abilities of children with CP/HCU
- Describe the main findings of the study with respect to differences between CP/HCU boys and their peers in performance on mentalisation tasks
- Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for better understanding the social cognition of children with CP/HCU
Course Outline:
- Read and understand Thinking about others' minds: Mental state inference in boys with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits
- Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
- Analyze the theoretical framework in which children with CP/HCU might be expected to exhibit limitations related to mentalisation
- Integrate the study's key findings, strengths, limitations, and clinical implications
- Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
- Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the social cognitive strengths and limitations of boys with CP/HCU
Approvals:
Board Approvals | American Psychological Association (APA), NBCC, Florida Board - Social Work, MFT, Counseling, and Psychology, NYSED - Social Work, MFT and Counseling Only, American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders |
---|---|
CE Format | Online, Text-Based |