The Psychometric Properties of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits in an Undergraduate Sample

In the present study, the psychometric properties and factor structure of the 24-item Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits (ICU) were tested in a sample of 687 college students. Results support a similar 3-factor structure to that identified in samples of youths, in whom this measure was previously validated. Correlations with external variables support the convergent and discriminant validity of the ICU total score and Uncaring and Callousness factor scores. The ICU was moderately to strongly correlated with the total score and the Coldheartedness and Self-Centered Impulsivity factors of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised, and the total score of Levenson's Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, and also predicted incremental variance in several external variables beyond these existing self-report psychopathy measures. Together, these findings suggest that with a few modifications, the ICU may hold promise as a brief self-report measure for assessing traits reflecting callousness and "meanness" in adults. High scores identified college students who tended to show antisocial tendencies consistent with diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder, while also exhibiting low levels of empathy. Recommendations for future research with the ICU are discussed.