Callous-Unemotional Traits, Attachment Avoidance, and Social Reward: A Mediation Analysis

Hasert, Analiv (2024) Callous-Unemotional Traits, Attachment Avoidance, and Social Reward: A Mediation Analysis. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

CU traits are characterized by a lack of empathy and reduced emotional responsiveness. They have been associated with insecure attachment styles and inverted social reward patterns. The current study examined the associations between CU traits, attachment avoidance, and the perception of social reward from prosocial interaction. Additionally, the study explores if social reward from prosocial interactions mediates the association between CU traits and attachment avoidance. 53 first-year psychology students (Mage = 20.06, SDage = 2.18; 14 male and 39 female) completed validated surveys assessing their level of CU traits, social rewards, and attachment styles. Simple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between these variables, finding significant associations between all of them. However, the mediation analysis revealed a non-significant indirect effect. Therefore, the findings suggest that while CU traits are directly associated with attachment avoidance and reduced social rewards, there is no mediating effect of social reward from prosocial interactions on CU traits and attachment avoidance. This demonstrates how individuals with higher CU traits in the general population tend to experience less social reward from prosocial interactions and feel more uncomfortable in close relationships. Furthermore, it highlights the need to investigate other potential mediators. The study gives valuable insights into the affective dimension of psychopathy, further increasing knowledge on how to support individuals with CU traits in improving their interpersonal functioning.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Kleine Deters, R.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	19 Jul 2024 11:38
Last Modified:	19 Jul 2024 11:38
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4001

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