Divergent Amygdala Volume Asymmetries for Male and Female Youth With High Versus Low Callous-Unemotional Traits$d

Although callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been associated with amygdala hypoactivity, it is unclear whether such traits are associated with amygdala structure. This study examines the relationship between amygdala structure and CU traits and considers sex differences in hemisphere-related asymme...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ling, Shichun (Author)
Contributors: Gur, Ruben C. ; Loughead, James ; Raine, Adrian ; Ruparel, Kosha ; Waller, Rebecca E.
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2020
In: Crime & delinquency
Year: 2020, Volume: 66, Issue: 10, Pages: 1419-1437
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Amygdala
Amygdala volume
Brain hemisphere
Callous-unemotional traits
Neurodevelopment
Description
Summary:Although callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been associated with amygdala hypoactivity, it is unclear whether such traits are associated with amygdala structure. This study examines the relationship between amygdala structure and CU traits and considers sex differences in hemisphere-related asymmetries in this relationship. In this brain imaging study of children (n = 272), a significant sex × hemisphere × CU traits interaction was observed. Females with high CU traits and males with low CU exhibited a rightward exaggerated amygdala volume asymmetry, whereas females with low CU traits and males with high CU traits did not. Findings may reflect sex-related influences related to CU traits and amygdala volume and are broadly consistent with a neurodevelopment perspective on psychopathic-like traits in children.
ISSN:1552-387X
DOI:10.1177/0011128720926118