Factorial and convergent validity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version in Ghana

Studies have shown the existence of psychopathy construct in Western cultures. However, there is a general lack of research on this topical issue in non-Western countries, specifically sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, this study investigated the factorial and convergent validity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S) in 327 adolescents in Ghana. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure (interpersonal, behavioural and affective) of psychopathy that was invariant across gender. These results were replicated in a cross-validation sample comprising 363 adolescents. The YPI-S factors correlated significantly and positively with reactive and proactive aggression, thus bolstering its construct validity. The YPI-S and Big-Five domains were related differently, and where significant correlations were observed, their directions generally confirmed and extended previous studies. All in all, the result generally suggested the existence of psychopathy construct among Ghanaian youth which can be described along interpersonal, affective and behavioural domains. However, the alterations made to the YPI-S, coupled with its relatively low factor loadings and internal consistency largely, indicate cultural influences on the assessment of cross-cultural traits. This study illuminated the problem of exporting Western-based measures and their findings to non-Western contexts.