Psychometric properties of the 13-Item Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder-Parent Version (PSCD-PV)

The 13-item Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder-Parent Version (PSCD-PV) is a brief measure designed to assess multidimensional psychopathic traits in youth including grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional, daring-impulsive, and conduct disorder (CD) dimensions. Although initial validation findings are promising, further research is needed to replicate and extend psychometric support for this abbreviated form. The present study examined the factor structure, measurement invariance, and construct validity of the 13-item PSCD-PV in a large community sample of children and adolescents (N = 893; aged 11-17). Confirmatory factor analyses supported a hierarchical four-factor model encompassing grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional, daring-impulsive, and CD facets under a higher order psychopathy factor. Measurement invariance analyses indicated that this structure was equivalent across child sex and age groups. The 13-item PSCD-PV total and facet scores demonstrated acceptable-to-good internal consistency and strong convergent validity with measures of externalizing psychopathology including callous-unemotional traits, oppositional defiant disorder, CD, and general conduct problems. Correlations with internalizing psychopathology (neuroticism, anxiety) were weaker, supporting discriminant validity. Criterion validity was evidenced by significant associations with delinquency and impairment across multiple relational and academic domains. Importantly, PSCD-PV total scores explained unique variance in CD and conduct problem symptoms beyond the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits, underscoring its incremental validity. Findings support the 13-item PSCD as a psychometrically sound, efficient, and multidimensional tool for assessing psychopathic traits and CD symptoms in youth across demographic groups with potential utility in both research and applied settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).