Downward extension of the Low Self-Control Psychopathic Traits Scale: psychometric properties and measurement invariance among youth

Purpose – Self-control and psychopathy are arguably the most widely studied constructs in the field of criminology and forensic psychology, largely because of their association with the most severe forms of human destructiveness. The Low Self-Control Psychopathic Traits Scale (LSCPTS) was recently developed to capture fundamental features of the antisocial core of the low self-control and psychopathy. The purpose of this study is to represent the first application (or downward extension) of the measure to the adolescent population, aiming to examine whether the LSCPTS presents good psychometric properties among youth. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of male and female youth (n = 559, Mage = 16.51 years and SDage = 1.07 years) from Portugal agreed to participate. Findings – The four-factor intercorrelated model of the LSCPTS obtained the overall best fit. Strong measurement invariance across sex was established, with male participants scoring significantly higher on all subscales. Internal consistency measured by the alpha and omega coefficients suggested that reliability was adequate to good. Significant associations were found with psychometric measures of relevant constructs (e.g. dark traits of personality, criminogenic cognitions and antisociality-criminality) and external criterion-related variables (e.g. engaging in illegal activities, alcohol use and drug abuse). Originality/value – The findings of this study suggest that the LSCPTS is a valid and reliable brief measure that simultaneously captures the core features of low self-control and psychopathic personality among youth.