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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article

Psychometric properties of the German version of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory – short version

Authors: Cyril Boonmann, Tania Pérez, Marc Schmid, Jörg M. Fegert, Emanuel Jauk, Klaus Schmeck

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

The 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).

Methods

A 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.

Results

We 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.

Conclusions

Our 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.

Of the 940 adolescents who were eligible to be included in the study, 84 were excluded for various reasons: refusal study participation (N = 36), no informed consent parent or legal guardian (N = 11), non-completion of the YPI (N = 2), and age outside the age range of the study (N = 35).

Although students were nested within schools, we did not assume that attending the same school would have a substantial influence on students’ self-report of psychopathic traits. Multilevel analysis should be considered when intraclass correlations (ICC) are larger than .05 [53]. The overall ICC in this study was 0.02.

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Title: Psychometric properties of the German version of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory – short version
Authors: Cyril Boonmann
Tania Pérez
Marc Schmid
Jörg M. Fegert
Emanuel Jauk
Klaus Schmeck
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02943-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Psychometric properties of the German version of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory – short version

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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