Clinical Profiles of Children with Disruptive Behaviors Based on the Severity of Their Conduct Problems, Callous–Unemotional Traits and Emotional Difficulties

This study identified clinical profiles of referred children based on the severity of callous–unemotional (CU) traits, emotional difficulties, and conduct problems. Parents of 166 children (132 males) aged 6–12 years referred to a hospital clinic because of disruptive behavior completed measures to assess these key indicators, and person-centered analysis was used to identify profiles. Four distinct profiles were identified that include: (1) Children low in severity on the three domains, (2) Children high in severity on the three domains, (3) Children high in severity in conduct problems and CU traits with minimal emotional difficulties, and (4) Children high in severity in conduct problems and emotional difficulties with minimal CU traits. Profiles differed in degree of aggression and behavioral impairment. Findings show that clinic-referred children with disruptive behaviors can be grouped based on these important indicators into profiles that have important implications for assessment and treatment selection.