Development and Validation of the Parent-Report Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (PR-YPI-S) for Assessing Psychopathic Traits in Early Childhood

Abstract

Studying psychopathy in early childhood is crucial for understanding its developmental pathways, identifying risk factors, and implementing early intervention. However, assessment measures for this age group remain limited. To address this gap, this study developed and validated the Parent-Report Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory–Short Version (PR-YPI-S) by adapting YPI-S self-report items for parental reports of psychopathic traits in early childhood. 304 parents of children aged 3 to 6 years were recruited from kindergartens/preschools in Tehran, Iran, and completed study measures. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the hierarchical three-factor model (Grandiose-Manipulative, Callous-Unemotional, and Impulsive-Irresponsible) with 18 items, which remained invariant across gender groups. The PR-YPI-S scores demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and yielded significant correlations with theoretically/clinically relevant external variables (e.g., conduct problems, aggression, fearlessness, ADHD symptoms, and prosocial behavior), supporting their convergent/ discriminant validity. Overall, findings suggest that the PR-YPI-S is a psychometrically sound parent-report measure of psychopathic traits in early childhood.