The relation between the bifactor model of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory and conduct problems in adolescence: Variations across gender, ethnic background, and age.

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The current study examines how the bifactor model of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) is related to conduct problems in a sample of Dutch adolescents (N = 2,874; 43% female). It addresses to what extent the YPI dimensions explain variance over and above a General Psychopathy factor (i.e., one factor related to all items) and how the general factor and dimensional factors are related to conduct problems. Group differences in these relations for gender, ethnic background, and age were examined. Results showed that the general factor is most important, but dimensions explain variance over and above the general factor. The general factor, and Affective and Lifestyle dimensions, of the YPI were positively related to conduct problems, whereas the Interpersonal dimension was not, after taking the general factor into account. However, across gender, ethnic background, and age, different dimensions were related to conduct problems over and above the general factor. This suggests that all 3 dimensions should be assessed when examining the psychopathy construct. Impact Statement Public Significance Statement-This study found support for the ‘bifactor model of psychopathy,’ wherein psychopathy is represented by a General Psychopathy factor and 3 dimensions (i.e., Interpersonal, Affective, and Lifestyle dimensions). The general factor and dimensions were differently related to conduct problems, and relations varied across ethnicity, age, and gender. This suggests that it is important to consider group membership and all 3 dimensions of psychopathy for research purposes and in clinical practices.