Validation of the Paulhus Deception Scales (PDS) in the UK and examination of the links between PDS and personality

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the Paulhus Deception Scales (PDS) (Paulhus, 1998) for use in the UK. Given the forensic use of the PDS, this study aimed to examine whether the subscales of impression management (IM) and self-deception enhancement (SDE) predict anti-social personality and narcissistic personality, respectively.Design/methodology/approachA UK general population sample completed the PDS and the International Personality Disorder Examination personality screening tool (Loranger, 1999). Findings were compared to original Canadian/US norms. Exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) and factor analytic techniques were applied to the data.FindingsAverage total and IM scores were significantly higher in the UK than in the original sample. The tool demonstrated good internal consistency. The initial two-factor model showed relatively poor fit, which was significantly improved by application of the novel ESEM approach. Higher IM scores significantly predicted lower anti-social personality. Higher SDE scores significantly predicted narcissistic personality.Originality/valueThe PDS is applicable in the UK, however, users should use UK norms. When assessing people, especially in a “high stakes” forensic setting, IM should not be considered socially deviant. Those with high-SDE scores have been found to be narcissistic; consequently, in clinical practice, high-SDE scorers may need further violence or personality evaluation.