Parallel mediation model of the effect of callous–unemotional traits on adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors

Externalizing problem behaviors significantly affect adolescent mental health. This study adopted a cross-sectional design based on the multifactor system model of personality and individual differences to explore the relationships between callous–unemotional traits, externalizing problem behaviors, moral disengagement, and emotion awareness. Survey data were collected from 1,080 adolescents in China. The results showed that callous–unemotional traits were significantly and positively correlated with externalizing problem behaviors, and that moral disengagement and emotion awareness mediated this relationship. Our findings provide guidance for the intervention in and prevention of externalizing behavior problems among adolescents.