Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Antisocial Process Screening Device.
Pedro Pechorro1, Victoria Hidalgo1, Cristina Nunes2
11 Faculty of Psychology, Seville University, Spain.
Summary
The Antisocial Process Screening Device-Self-Report (APSD-SR) is a valid tool for assessing psychopathic traits in incarcerated male youth. Its factor structure and internal consistency are supported in this forensic sample.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Clinical Criminology
Background:
- The Antisocial Process Screening Device-Self-Report (APSD-SR) is a key instrument for evaluating antisocial behaviors in adolescents.
- Assessing psychopathic traits in incarcerated juvenile offenders is crucial for understanding and managing conduct disorders.
- Limited research exists on the psychometric properties of the APSD-SR within large, specialized forensic samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the factor structure, internal consistency, and psychometric validity of the APSD-SR in a sample of incarcerated male juvenile offenders.
- To determine the reliability and applicability of the APSD-SR for this specific high-risk population.
- To examine the associations between APSD-SR scores and other relevant psychological constructs.
Main Methods:
- A large sample of 438 incarcerated male juvenile offenders completed the APSD-SR.
- Factor analysis was used to examine the underlying structure of the APSD-SR.
- Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.
- Correlations were calculated between APSD-SR scores and measures of psychopathic traits, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, narcissism, aggression, and empathy.
Main Results:
- The study supported the factor structure and internal consistency of the APSD-SR, with one item removed from the callous-unemotional dimension.
- Significant positive correlations were found between APSD-SR scores and measures of psychopathic traits, CU traits, narcissism, and aggression.
- A significant negative association was observed between APSD-SR scores and empathy.
- These findings confirm the APSD-SR's utility in this forensic context.
Conclusions:
- The APSD-SR demonstrates adequate psychometric properties for use with incarcerated male juvenile offenders.
- The instrument effectively differentiates individuals with varying levels of antisocial and psychopathic traits within a forensic setting.
- Findings support the clinical and research utility of the APSD-SR for assessing antisocial behavior in juvenile justice populations.
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