The Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory: Psychometric properties and its relation to substance use and interpersonal style in a Dutch sample of non-referred adolescents

This study presents evidence on the reliability and construct validity of the Dutch version of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory (YPI), a self-report instrument for psychopathic traits in adolescent boys and girls. In a sample of 776 Dutch non-referred adolescents, the YPI was found to have good internal consistency. Furthermore, exploratory Principal Components Analysis (PCA) indicated a three-factor structure for the YPI, including a Grandiose–manipulative, Callous–unemotional, and Impulsive–irresponsible dimension. Good internal consistency was demonstrated for all dimensions in boys as well as girls, except for the Callous–unemotional dimension. Results further indicated strong correlations between psychopathic traits and dominant and hostile interpersonal style. The Grandiose–manipulative dimension predicted dominant interpersonal behavior in boys, but not in girls. In girls, a dominant interpersonal style was predicted by the Impulsive–irresponsible dimension. Psychopathic traits, mainly the Impulsive–irresponsible dimension, were related to a higher frequency of self-reported drug and alcohol use in boys and girls.