Does sex moderate the relationship between Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits and Antisocial Behaviour (AB) in adolescents?

This study investigates whether sex moderates the relationship between Callous–Unemotional (CU) traits and Antisocial Behaviour (AB) in adolescents using data from the FemNAT-CD cohort. CU traits, characterised by reduced empathy, guilt, and emotional responsiveness, are strongly associated with severe and persistent antisocial outcomes. However, emerging research suggests that the developmental pathways linking CU traits to antisocial behaviour may differ between males and females. Using parent-reported CU traits (ICU) and antisocial behaviour indices (CBCL aggression and rule-breaking subscales), this study will employ hierarchical multiple regression analyses to test sex as a moderator of the CU–AB association. Models will control for key covariates including age, socioeconomic status, trauma exposure, parenting quality, and comorbid ADHD symptoms. An exploratory analysis will further examine whether primary (low-anxiety) and secondary (high-anxiety) CU subtypes show distinct sex-specific patterns in predicting antisocial outcomes. Findings will contribute to theoretical models of antisocial development by clarifying whether sex-specific mechanisms shape the CU–AB relationship, with implications for more targeted, developmentally informed interventions for boys and girls.