ABSTRACT
The Triarchic Psychopathy Model characterizes psychopathy in terms of varying configurations of three phenotypic tendencies: Boldness, disinhibition, and Meanness. This present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Triarchic Psychopathy Model based on the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI–Tri) among a forensic sample (N = 221) of incarcerated male youths (M = 16.75 years, SD = 1.41). Problematic items (e.g., with low loadings, low item–total correlations) were excluded, leading to the creation of a reduced form of the measure (YPI–Tri–S) with seven items per dimension. Confirmatory factor analysis offered subsequent support for the refined three-factor structure. The short measure of the Triarchic Psychopathy Model showed adequate psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity. The psychometric results obtained suggest the YPI–Tri–S is a valid and reliable self-report measure of the Triarchic Psychopathy Model which can be used to assess psychopathic traits in justice-involved youths.
