Assessing Callous-Unemotional Traits in 6- to 18-Year-Olds: Reliability, Validity, Factor Structure, and Norms of the German Version of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nThis article reports reliability, validity, and norms for the German version of the multi-informant questionnaire Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU).\n\n\nMETHOD\nThe ICU was filled in by nonreferred children aged 13 to 18 years old ( n = 645), parents of children aged 6 to 18 years old ( n = 1,005), and their teachers ( n = 955).\n\n\nRESULTS\nConfirmatory factor analysis resulted in a two-factor solution giving the best fit. Still none of the models showed an adequate model-fit applying the chi-square exact fit test. The internal consistency of the parent s, teacher s, and self-report version were α = .830, α = .877 and α = .769, respectively. Interrater reliability was moderate. Convergent validity with the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory, the externalizing scores of the Youth Self-Report/Child Behavior Checklist, and with the German oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder Rating Scale FBB-SSV were good. German norms were calculated.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe ICU is a reliable and valid dimensional measure to describe callous-unemotional traits.