Network analytic techniques examine how items used to measure underlying constructs are related to one another and identify core characteristics. While many studies have examined the covariance of callous-unemotional (CU) traits or features and conduct disorder (CD) symptoms, the inter-item relations of these constructs and the core characteristics of the CU construct are unclear. The present study aimed to examine the network connectivity of, and between, CU features and CD symptoms. We also examined both parent-reports and youth self-reports and gender differences. CU features and CD symptoms were rated by parents (n = 814; 74% mothers; age 23–73, M age = 43.86, SD = 8.13) and their child (n = 608; 57% female; age 7–19, M age = 13.98, SD = 2.36). Network plots depicted greater connectivity (i.e., density and weights) for CU features relative to CD symptoms across both informants. However, youth-reported CU features and CD symptoms were less densely connected than parent-reports. Items commonly comprising the callousness subscale were more central and linked the two constructs together, relative to uncaring items, across informant and gender. Gender related effects indicated lower centrality for male versus female youth, and this finding was particularly evident in youth-reports. Our findings highlight relations between CU features and CD symptoms, and point to the importance of callousness items in conceptualizations of CU features among high-risk youth from both the perspective of the parent and child. We also inform understanding of gender differences in CU features for which the literature is currently limited.

网络分析技术检查用于衡量基础结构的项目如何相互关联并确定核心特征。虽然许多研究已经检查了冷酷无情 (CU) 特征或特征与品行障碍 (CD) 症状的协方差，但这些构念之间的关系以及 CU 构念的核心特征尚不清楚。本研究旨在检查 CU 特征和 CD 症状之间以及之间的网络连接。我们还检查了家长报告和青少年自我报告以及性别差异。CU 特征和 CD 症状由父母（n  = 814；74% 的母亲；年龄 23-73，M年龄 = 43.86 ，SD  = 8.13）和他们的孩子（n  = 608；57% 女性；7-19，M年龄 = 13.98, SD = 2.36）。网络图描绘了两个线人之间相对于 CD 症状的 CU 特征的更大连通性（即密度和权重）。然而，青少年报告的 CU 特征和 CD 症状的联系不如父母报告那么紧密。通常构成冷酷子量表的项目更为核心，并且相对于冷漠项目，跨线人和性别将这两个结构联系在一起。性别相关影响表明男性与女性青年的中心性较低，这一发现在青年报告中尤为明显。我们的研究结果强调了 CU 特征与 CD 症状之间的关系，并从父母和孩子的角度指出了冷酷项目在高危青年 CU 特征概念化中的重要性。