Training to improve facial emotion recognition in children with callous-unemotional traits
Facial Affect Sensitivity Training for Young Children With CU Traits
This study is testing a new training program to help children aged 6-11 with callous-unemotional traits better recognize emotions like fear and sadness on people's faces.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 168 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT04159168 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate a novel intervention called Facial Affect Sensitivity Training (FAST) for children aged 6-11 who exhibit elevated callous-unemotional (CU) traits. The study will assess the effectiveness of FAST in enhancing children's ability to recognize distress-related facial emotions, such as fear and sadness, which are often impaired in this population. Using a randomized controlled trial design, the researchers will measure both behavioral outcomes, like facial emotion recognition accuracy, and neural responses through EEG. The ultimate goal is to develop a targeted approach to improve social functioning and reduce conduct problems associated with CU traits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 6-11 with elevated CU traits and difficulties in recognizing distress-related emotions.
Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or those currently receiving therapy for CU traits may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve emotional recognition skills in children with CU traits, potentially leading to better social outcomes and reduced behavioral issues.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in targeting CU traits specifically, similar interventions aimed at improving emotional recognition in children have shown promise in other studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A standard score less than or equal to 8 on the NEPSY (A Developmental NEuroPSYchological Assessment) Affect Recognition (AR) test, or less than or equal to 70% accuracy for distress-related emotions on a Dynamic FER measure. * Composite intelligence quotient (IQ) score of at least 80 on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Second Edition. * Any psychotropic medications must be on stable dosing schedule for 2 weeks prior to entry. * Presence of elevated CU traits (defined as in prior studies as score of "2" on at least 2 of the 4 CU items on the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD). Exclusion Criteria: * Bipolar disorder. * Current risk for suicide or harm to others. * Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). * Currently participating in therapy for CU traits or facial emotion recognition deficits.
Where this trial is running
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention (CYDI) — Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bradley A White, PhD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Bradley A White, PhD
- Email: whiteba@ua.edu
- Phone: (205) 348-0251
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.