Abstract
In the past few decades, there has been a growing interest within the field of criminology in identifying different personality traits associated with victimization. One set of traits that has yet to be fully explored within the victimization literature is callous-unemotional traits. Previous studies that have examined this association have revealed mixed results and have yet to conclusively determine if such a link exists. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the potential link between callous-unemotional traits and victimization while also examining why this association may exist. To do so, we use a longitudinal sample of males and females drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Analyses of these data revealed that callous-unemotional traits were significantly associated with victimization both cross-sectionally and longitudinally (IRR = 1.01-1.10; N = 8682-10,902) and that this association arises from a shared genetic etiology (rA = 0.306-0.663). Once genetic influences were accounted for; however, this association dropped from significance. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of using genetically informed datasets when examining potential risk factors for victimization. Information gleaned from examining the genetic and environmental overlap between traits and the risk for victimization can be used to inform the development of prevention and intervention programs.