Emily MacDougall

Examining the factor structure and convergent and discriminant validity of the Levenson self-report psychopathy scale: is the two-factor model the best fitting model?

The Levenson, Kiehl, and Fitzpatrick (1995) Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) was introduced in the mid-1990s as a brief measure of psychopathy and has since gained considerable popularity. Despite its attractiveness as a brief psychopathy tool, the LSRP has received limited research regarding its factor structure and convergent and discriminant validity. The present study examined the construct validity of the LSRP, testing both its factor structure and the convergent and discriminant validity. Using a community sample of 1,257 undergraduates (869 females; 378 males), we tested whether a 1-, 2-, or 3-factor model best fit the data and examined the links between the resultant factor structures and external correlates. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) findings revealed a 3-factor model best matched the data, followed by an adequate-fitting original 2-factor model. Next, comparisons were made regarding the convergent and discriminant validity of the competing 2- and 3-factor models. Findings showed the LSRP traditional primary and secondary factors had meaningful relations with extratest variables such as neuroticism, stress tolerance, and lack of empathy. The 3-factor model showed particular problems with the Callousness scale. These findings underscore the importance of examining not only CFA fit statistics but also convergent and discriminant validity when testing factor structure models. The current findings suggest that the 2-factor model might still be the best way to interpret the LSRP.

Validity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory–Short Version in Justice-Involved and At-Risk Adolescents:

The current study examined the reliability and validity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory–Short Version (YPI-S) in two different samples of at-risk adolescents enrolled in a residential program (n = 160) and at a detention facility (n = 60) in the United States. YPI-S scores displayed adequate internal consistency and were moderately associated with concurrent scales on other self-report psychopathy measures and externalizing behaviors. YPI-S scores were moderately related to interviewer-ratings of the construct using the four-factor model of the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version. Findings suggest that the YPI-S may be a clinically useful and valid tool for the assessment of psychopathic traits in juvenile settings. This may be particularly true given the differential predictive utility of each of its dimensions.

Indexing Adolescent Psychopathy: Commentary on Dawson, McCuish, Hart, and Corrado

This commentary addresses four main issues raised in the original Dawson et al. article1 which suggested that the CAPP-IRS may offer advantages over the PCL-YV. The advantages that were proposed included its content domain, rating scale, personality focus, as well as developmentally sensitive and dynamic items. The Dawson et al. article also criticized the PCL-YV for having a limited research base. In this commentary, we address these issues comparing the PCL-YV and the CAPP-IRS, shedding light on the potential strengths and weaknesses of each measure. We conclude that it is too early to make such claims about the CAPP-IRS, but that the pursuit of understanding adolescent psychopathy, including its content domain and its developmental course, is an important undertaking. We also conclude that there will likely be a number of indices, including those provided by the PCL-YV and perhaps the CAPP-IRS that can help with this aim.