Varieties of Sadistic Tendencies: adaptation and internal structure in Brazil

Abstract

Objective This study aims to present an adaptation and evidence of construct validity of the Varieties of Sadistic Tendencies for a sample in the Brazilian context. Method To this end, 260 participants from different states, with ages ranging from 18 to 64 years (M = 27.91; SD = 8.96), answered three measurement instruments: (a) a version of the Varieties of Sadistic Tendencies, adapted to the Brazilian context through back translation; (b) the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen and; (c) a Demographic Questionnaire. Results The answers were submitted to Exploratory Factor Analysis using Factor v10.10.03, which indicated a bifactor structure with 16 items. In addition, Spearman's rho correlations were performed among the factors to identify evidence of validity with other variables, which indicated weak and moderate relationships. Conclusion As an initial study, the evidence of validity reported here points to psychometric adequacy.