Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version Research Articles

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version among young people in South Africa and the relationship of high scale scores to reported offending or similar deviant behaviour.

While there is empirical evidence to support associations between psychopathy scale ratings and offending or deviant behaviours, suggested as support for a unified theory of crime, evidence to date has been mainly from countries with high economic ratings and Western philosophies. In countries with a wide range of cultural groups and languages and a complex history of colonisation and apartheid, such scale ratings and correlations may differ. To explore the psychometric properties of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S) and its applicability and relationship to deviant and actual or potential criminal behaviour among young adults in South Africa. 18- to 20-year-olds from poor socio-economic backgrounds were recruited by a fieldworker with an existing relationship with community-based youth centres. Consenting participants completed the Deviant Behaviour Variety Scale, reflecting criminal or similar behaviours in the 12months prior to rating and the YPI-S. Reliability measurements, principal factor analysis, Spearman's Rho correlations, chi square and multiple regression were used to explore performance of the YPI-S in this sample and relationship of YPI-S scores to deviancy. Of the 213 participants recruited, 176 completed all data points and were entered into analyses. The YPI-S was found to have generally good psychometric properties; however, in factor analysis, while items mapped well into an emotional subscale and quite well into an interpersonal scale, as in the original, behavioural items did not. Emotional, interpersonal and total YPI-S scores were significantly associated with reported deviant behaviour scores. The findings of this study suggest value in using the YPI-S with young people in South Africa to help identify those vulnerable to committing criminal acts. Among these disadvantaged young people, however, caution should be used in interpreting scores on its behavioural dimension. It is interesting that the emotional dimension, which incorporates perhaps the most personal features such as 'callous and unemotional traits' (albeit probably better considered as difficulty in recognising emotions in others), seemed most robust, suggesting that there may be core problems in a pathway to crime-or theory of crime-that transcend culture. This possibility, likely to be remediable through personal interventions, would benefit from further investigation.

Does a conduct disorder factor increment the capacity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short to predict criminal recidivism?

Purpose Recent developments in the psychometric assessment of youth psychopathic traits suggest that the inclusion of a conduct disorder (CD) factor to the traditional three factors of the psychopathy construct may improve the incremental validity of these measures. The purpose of the current study is to examine whether the addition of a CD factor incrementally improves the ability of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory Short version (YPI-S) to predict criminal recidivism. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal quantitative research design was used with a sample detained male youth (N = 214, Mage = 16.4 years, SDage = 1.3 years). Findings Results using the area under the curve analysis suggest that the inclusion of a CD factor slightly improves the capacity of the YPI-S to predict one-year general criminal recidivism, but it does not significantly increase its capacity to predict violent criminal recidivism. Results also indicate that a CD scale outperforms the YPI-S, even with an additional CD factor included, in terms of predicting one-year general and violent recidivism. Practical implications Self-reported youth psychopathic trait measures, even those that include a CD factor as a fourth factor, should be used with caution when the aim is to predict youth criminal recidivism. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study using a self-reported youth psychopathic traits measure with a CD factor to examine youth criminal recidivism.

The network structure of psychopathic personality traits in a community sample of young adult females

Despite the growing body of research on the core characteristics of psychopathy, the potential gender differences in the expression and structuration of psychopathic traits have not received adequate attention. Aimed at testing the tacit supposition that the behavioral manifestations and structural architecture of this personality type as it can be observed in men are transposable to women, the present study investigated the network organization of psychopathic traits in a general population sample of young adult women (n=789; 18–20years old) who completed the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory - Short Version (YPI-S). We first estimated a network model based on the facets of the YPI-S. We then calculated centrality indices (i.e., strength, expected influence, closeness, and betweenness) in order to identify central and peripheral features of female psychopathy, and finally we performed a bootstrapping procedure to evaluate the accuracy of edge weights as well as the stability of the centrality indices. These last were quite stable and highlighted that unemotionality was the most central trait in the network, followed by manipulation, callousness, and dishonest charm. Our findings therefore corroborate previous results regarding the key contribution of affective characteristics and suggest that the so-called callous-unemotional traits are at the heart of psychopathy regardless of gender. But this research also emphasizes the cardinal role of interpersonal features (and especially manipulation tendencies) in female psychopathy. The centrality of the unemotionality facet–which is not found in male and/or mixed samples - lead us to discuss the links, in women, between psychopathic traits and emotional experience.

Validation of the French Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version in a general population sample of emerging adults in France

IntroductionThe Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) is one of the most commonly used scales for measuring psychopathic traits from childhood to adulthood. ObjectiveThe aim of the current research was to scrutinize the psychometric properties of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S) translated into French. MethodThe factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of YPI-S scores were examined in a sample of 757 emerging adults from the general population in France (aged 18–20 years; 54.43% women). ResultsResults of confirmatory factor analyses support the proposed 3-factor structure (observed in children and adolescents) among both men and women. The YPI-S total score and the 3 factor (Grandiose-Manipulative, Callous-Unemotional, and Impulsive-Irresponsible) scores were internally consistent. Correlations with external criterion variables of interest, including the Dark Triad construct and its components (psychopathy, machiavellianism and narcissism), reactive and proactive aggression, and delinquency, support the convergent validity of the interpretation of YPI-S scores. Finally, findings also suggest that YPI-S works consistently for both men and women. ConclusionIn addition to demonstrating the psychometric qualities of the French version of the YPI-S, this research provides further evidences for the value of this brief and time-effective self-report instrument in the study of psychopathic traits across different developmental phases, and especially during the transition to adulthood.

The Persian version of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S): A psychometric evaluation

Studies on the psychopathy construct are mostly limited to Western cultures, and there is a lack of research in this area in non-Western countries, specifically in Iran. The present study aimed to examine the factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the Persian version of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S) with a sample of 668 school-attending adolescents in Iran (46% girls; Mage = 16.35). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed three-factor model. While the internal consistency of some YPI-S scores was unsatisfactory, the YPI-S scores showed the expected relations with external correlates (e.g., aggression, hyperactivity), supporting the validity of YPI-S scores. The authors' results supported the YPI-S for assessing psychopathic traits in Iranian adolescents. The modification of the YPI-S factor structure, the low factor loadings of some YPI-S items, and the inadequate internal consistency of some YPI-S dimensions indicate cultural influences on the assessment of cross-cultural traits.

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

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.

Factorial and convergent validity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory‐Short Version in Ghana

Studies have shown the existence of psychopathy construct in Western cultures. However, there is a general lack of research on this topical issue in non-Western countries, specifically sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, this study investigated the factorial and convergent validity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S) in 327 adolescents in Ghana. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure (interpersonal, behavioural and affective) of psychopathy that was invariant across gender. These results were replicated in a cross-validation sample comprising 363 adolescents. The YPI-S factors correlated significantly and positively with reactive and proactive aggression, thus bolstering its construct validity. The YPI-S and Big-Five domains were related differently, and where significant correlations were observed, their directions generally confirmed and extended previous studies. All in all, the result generally suggested the existence of psychopathy construct among Ghanaian youth which can be described along interpersonal, affective and behavioural domains. However, the alterations made to the YPI-S, coupled with its relatively low factor loadings and internal consistency largely, indicate cultural influences on the assessment of cross-cultural traits. This study illuminated the problem of exporting Western-based measures and their findings to non-Western contexts.

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.

Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory - Short Version among Portuguese Youth

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory - Short version (YPI-S) among a mixed-gender sample of 782 Portuguese youth (M = 15.87 years; SD = 1.72) collected in a school context. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis offered support for the expected 3-factor structure. Partial cross-gender measurement invariance and cross-sample measurement invariance of the YPI-S using a forensic sample of institutionalized males was established. The Portuguese version of the YPI-S showed adequate psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, mean inter-item correlation, corrected item-total correlation, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. In support for criterion-related validity, the YPI-S also showed statistically significant associations with self-reported conduct disorder symptoms, alcohol abuse, and drug use. In terms of known-groups validity, males from the school sample scored lower than males from the forensic sample and higher than females from the school sample. The YPI-S seems to be a valuable brief and psychometrically reliable and valid self-report measure, which can be used to assess psychopathic traits in diverse samples of youth.

The Factor Structure and Construct Validity of the Short Version of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory in Two Independent Samples of Nonreferred Adolescents.

To assess the internal consistency, factor structure, and construct validity of the Italian translation of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S), both the YPI-S and its full version, the YPI, as well as self-reports of delinquency, aggression, and Big Five domains, were administered to two independent samples (N = 868 and N = 881) of Italian community, nonreferred adolescents. The internal consistency of the YPI-S was adequate, and confirmatory factor analyses showed a good fit of the theoretical three-factor model of the YPI-S in both samples. Hierarchical regression models suggested the same pattern of associations with self-report measures of delinquency and aggression for the YPI-S and YPI, although the YPI was a better predictor of Big Five domains than the YPI-S. The findings support the internal consistency, factor validity, and construct validity of the YPI-S.

A Comparison of Self-Report Measures of Callous-Unemotional Traits Among Incarcerated Youth

The current study compared the psychometric properties and incremental validity of the callous-unemotional (CU) traits dimensions from four self-report measures of youth psychopathic traits, including the Antisocial Process Screening Device Self-Report version (APSD-SR), the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI), Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory–Short version (YPI-S), and the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) among a sample of male youth incarcerated in Portuguese detention centers ( N = 221). Across these measures, estimates of reliability and internal consistency were generally good; however, the correlations between measures ranged from very low to high suggesting moderate convergent validity. With regard to incremental validity, the Callousness dimension of the ICU was the best predictor of aggression, conduct disorder, and crime seriousness, whereas the Uncaring dimension of the ICU was the best predictor of age of crime onset. The current findings have important implications regarding the assessment of CU traits.

The Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version in a general population sample of emerging adults.

Prior studies with children and adolescents have shown that Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S) scores are internally consistent and manifest expected relations with external variables of interest. In the present study, the factor structure and the internal consistency of YPI-S scores, and the convergent validity of the interpretation of YPI-S scores were tested in a sample of 2,500 emerging adults from the general population in Sweden (aged 20-24 years; 52.6% women). Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses support a 3-factor structure among both men and women that is similar to prior YPI-S studies conducted with children and adolescents. The YPI-S total score and the 3 factor scores were internally consistent. Correlations with external variables, including aggression and delinquency, support the convergent validity of the interpretation of YPI-S scores. Finally, the strength of these zero-order and partial correlations, overall, was not significantly different across gender. In conclusion, this study provides initial evidence that the YPI-S may hold promise as a brief and time-effective self-report tool for assessing psychopathic traits in emerging adults. The present findings also suggest that the YPI-S performs in a consistent manner across gender. Recommendations for future research with the YPI-S are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

Validation of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory and Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory – Short Version Among Incarcerated Juvenile Delinquents

The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) and of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory – Short version (YPI-S) among Portuguese juvenile delinquents within a forensic sample of 221 incarcerated males (ages 13–20 years). Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the three-factor structure of the YPI and YPI-S, and the reliability of both instruments was good for the majority of subscales and factors. The YPI and YPI-S and their subscales showed good criterion, external, and divergent validity. That is, positive associations were found with a number of external criteria including Conduct Disorder, crime seriousness, and violent crimes. Total and subscale scores on both YPI versions were positively related to the Antisocial Process Screening Device, the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits, and the Child and Adolescent Taxon Scale. Finally, both the YPI and YPI-S were mostly unrelated to the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents. Overall, the YPI-S presented less problems with reliability, but weaker relations to external correlates. These findings justify the use of the YPI and the YPI-S among incarcerated youths.

The Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version in Spanish Adolescents—Factor Structure, Reliability, and Relation with Aggression, Bullying, and Cyber Bullying

The main aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish adaptation of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S) which assesses the interpersonal, affective and behavioral dimensions of psychopathy. The factor structure, reliability of the scale and subscales and their relationships with proactive and reactive aggression, bullying and cyberbullying were evaluated. A total of 993 adolescents (58.9 % girls) between the ages of 14 and 18 completed the YPI-S along with the aggression measures. The internal consistency of the total and the three subscales was good. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three factor structure which was invariant for boys and girls. At a correlational level the three factors were related to all aggressive measures, however different patterns emerged in regression analyses. Finally, a triple interaction between the three factors was the best predictor of proactive aggression. In conclusion, the results of this study show that the Spanish YPI-S is a reliable, valid, and time effective instrument to assess psychopathic traits.

Psychopathic-like traits in detained adolescents: clinical usefulness of self-report

Studies have demonstrated that self-report tools can be used to reliably and validly examine psychopathic-like traits in adolescents. However, it is unclear if self-report instruments are still reliable and valid when confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, such as during routine assessments in juvenile detention centres. To address this issue, the current study used data from the routine mental health screening of 365 detained male adolescents (12-18 years) in two juvenile detention centres. With the intention of gaining insight in the clinical usefulness of self-reported psychopathic-like traits, we examined relations known from literature with emotional and behavioural features. Self-reported psychopathic-like traits, measured by the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short version (YPI-S), were uniquely associated with substance abuse, anger/irritability, conduct problems and hyperactivity, but not with internalizing problems. YPI-S-dimensions showed several specific relationships with variables of interest. For example, only the callous unemotional dimension was negatively related with prosocial behaviour and only the behavioural dimension was positively related with hyperactivity. In conclusion, self-reported psychopathic-like traits showed expected relations with relevant variables. These findings suggest that self-report can be used to identify detained youths with high levels of psychopathic-like traits outside a research context, thus, even when anonymity and confidentiality are not guaranteed.

Psychopathic-Like Traits Among Detained Female Adolescents

This study examined the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Antisocial Process Screening Device-Self-Report (APSD-SR), the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI), and the YPI-Short Version (YPI-SV) in detained female adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. The proposed three-factor structure of the YPI and YPI-SV was replicated, whereas the proposed three-factor structure of the APSD-SR or alternate models did not yield adequate fit. Overall, reliability indices for the YPI and YPI-SV were higher than those reported for the APSD-SR. APSD-SR and YPI scales were positively related with each other, except the affective dimensions of the instruments. All questionnaires showed good criterion validity but the YPI's factor structure and reliability was superior to the APSD-SR. This superiority is not because of the larger number of items in the YPI, because we also demonstrated that the factor structure and reliability of the YPI-SV was better than that of the APSD-SR.

Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version: A Further Test of the Internal Consistency and Criterion Validity

The Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S; van Baardewijk et al., 2010) is a self-report measure to assess psychopathic-like traits in adolescents. The aim of the present study is to investigate the factor structure, the internal consistency, and the criterion validity of the YPI-S in 768 Belgian community adolescents (45.4 % males). In general, our study supported the YPI three factor structure while relevant indices showed that the instrument is internally consistent. In addition, relations between the YPI-S total score and dimension scores on the one hand and external criterion measures (e.g. conduct problems and self-reported offending) on the other hand were generally in line with predictions. The present study replicated and substantially extended previous findings of the YPI-S in a sample of community youth. Future studies are needed to test whether findings from community samples can be replicated in clinical-referred and justice-involved boys and adolescents.