Adaptation de la PCL-SV à l’évaluation des adolescents suivis en Centre jeunesse : une étude préliminaire

Abstract

A number of studies have shown the assessment of psychopathy to provide a useful basis for predicting adult criminal recidivism. However, where research on delinquent adolescents is concerned, the findings have been derived from rather small samples, such that additional investigation is warranted. The objective of the present study is to conduct an initial examination of the reliability and validity of the French-language version of the “Psychopathy Checklist Screening Version” (PCL:SV) and to compare results against several other samples reported in the literature. The sample of this study included 48 young people ages from 15 to 19 who were recruited from three Centres jeunesse du Québec (Quebec youth centres). All of the youths selected had exhibited a conduct disorder or delinquent behaviour during adolescence. Psychopathy assessment performed using PCL:SV shows good internal consistency of scales, along with very satisfactory inter-rater reliability. Correlations between PCL:SV and related indices (antisocial personality disorder; frequency and range of delinquent of delinquent activities; frequency and range of use of psychoactive substances, etc.) occur much as expected. On the whole, the psychometric properties of the scale are similar to those using adult samples or to other versions of PCL (PCL-R revised or PCL-YV). This study also puts forward a number of recommendations concerning the pursuit of work validating the French-language version of this scale.