The Elemental Psychopathy Assessment (EPA): Factor structure and construct validity across three German samples

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• Psychopathy is a critical construct in forensic psychology.
• The Elemental Psychopathy Assessment (EPA) measures psychopathic traits using a five-factor model.
• Previous research supported the EPA's reliability and validity in US samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To independently assess the construct validity and factor structure of the EPA in non-American samples.
• To confirm the EPA's psychometric soundness across diverse populations.

Main Methods:

• Conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) on three independent non-American samples (N=1,803).
• Utilized item-based CFA to evaluate scale-item alignment.

Main Results:

• Confirmed the proposed four-factor structure of the EPA.
• Demonstrated that EPA items adequately measure their intended scales.
• Established the EPA as a psychometrically sound instrument.

Conclusions:

• The EPA is a valid instrument for assessing psychopathy from a dimensional, trait-based perspective.
• The EPA's overlap with personality units supports its utility in forensic and research settings.