Psychometric properties of the German version of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory \u2013 short version

Cyril Boonmann,Tania Pérez,Klaus Schmeck,Emanuel Jauk,Marc Schmid,Jörg M Fegert

doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02943-z

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of the current study is to examine the psychometric properties of the German Version of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S).MethodsA sample of 856 adolescents (age: 15–19) from the German-speaking part of Switzerland was included. All participants completed the 50-item YPI, of which we derived the 18 items of the YPI-S. Furthermore, participants completed the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Version-2 (MAYSI-2), as well a self-report delinquency questionnaire.ResultsWe were able to replicate a three-factor structure and found moderate to good internal consistency for the total score as well as for the three dimensions of the YPI-S. Measurement invariance across gender was established. Furthermore, we found positive small to medium correlations with both internalizing and externalizing mental health problems, substance abuse problems, and offending behavior.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the German version of the YPI-S is a reliable and valid screening instrument for psychopathic traits in both boys and girls from the general population in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

Highlights

The aim of the current study is to examine the psychometric properties of the German Version of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S)
Forth et al [26] include it as the fourth factor, whereas Cooke and Michie [21] argue that criminogenic behavior is rather a consequence and not a core feature of psychopathy
Results of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated an acceptable fit for both boys and girls

Summary

Introduction

The aim of the current study is to examine the psychometric properties of the German Version of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S). Participants completed the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Version-2 (MAYSI-2), as well a self-report delinquency questionnaire. For example, limited pro social emotions (a term related to callous-unemotional traits, one of the features of psychopathy) have been included as a specifier of Conduct Disorder (CD) in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) [2] in order to capture a high-risk subgroup of juveniles with CD [19, 29]. The concept of psychopathy in juveniles is often described using a three [21] or four-factor model [26]. Both models characterize psychopathy as a superficially charming, grandiose, and manipulative interpersonal style, a callous and unemotional affective experience, and impulsive, irresponsible behavior, criminogenic behavior is interpreted differently.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion