French Adaptation and Validation of the Expanded Version of the Three-Factor Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale

Abstract

The goal of this study ( N = 432 participants from a community sample) is to report on the psychometric properties of a French adaptation of the Expanded Version of the Three-Factor Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (E-LSRP), which was developed to alleviate some shortcomings of the original LSRP. A three correlated factor exploratory structural equation modeling model showed the best fits and attained satisfactory indices. There were significant, conceptually meaningful associations with measures of Dark Triad traits, pathological narcissism, empathy, impulsivity, substance misuse, and social desirability. Incremental validity over a 19-item scale proposed by Brinkley et al. was also mostly demonstrated, especially for convergent validity. Overall, the French E-LSRP possesses sound psychometric properties, comparable for the most part with the original instrument, and should be seen as a useful measure of psychopathic traits in community samples.

Construct Validity of the E-LSRP in a Correctional Sample

“…Specifically, we hypothesized that internal reliability estimates in this sample would demonstrate a similar pattern of results to that presented in previous research (Christian & Sellbom, 2016; Maheux-Caron et al, 2018; Sellbom, Cooke, & Shou, 2019). We hypothesized that a three-factor structure would be supported, as it has in previous research (Christian & Sellbom, 2016; Maheux-Caron et al, 2018). We also hypothesized that scores on the Egocentric, Callous, and Antisocial subscales would demonstrate a conceptually expected pattern of associations with scores on theoretically relevant external criterion measures based on the previous findings of research studies discussed earlier.…”

“…The findings reported in Christian and Sellbom (2016), Maheux-Caron et al (2018), Sellbom et al (2019), and Lee and Sellbom (2021) have provided promising evidence for the construct validity of the E-LSRP scores as a measure of psychopathy, as well as an improvement over the original LSRP. However, these findings have been limited to university and community samples.…”

“…To date, one additional study has further aimed to examine the construct validity of E-LSRP scores. Maheux-Caron et al (2018) examined a French-adapted version of the E-LSRP in a sample of community participants in Canada. Their results showed improved internal consistency reliability estimates for the E-LSRP over the original LSRP.…”

“…Furthermore, their results generally supported the construct validity of the three-factor structure of the E-LSRP. Furthermore, although Maheux-Caron et al (2018) have presented the only work thus far that directly aimed to examine the construct validity of scores on the E-LSRP, it is also important to note that findings from Sellbom et al’s (2019) study on the Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality–Self-Report (CAPP-SR) have provided further supporting evidence for the improved reliability and construct validity of scores on the E-LSRP in university samples. More specifically, scores on E-LSRP subscales demonstrated good internal consistency reliability estimates and expected associations with scores on theoretically relevant CAPP-SR symptom scales.…”

A French adaptation of the Affective and Cognitive Measure of Empathy (ACME-F).

“…The Expanded Version of the Three-Factor Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (E-LSRP; Christian & Sellbom, 2016; Maheux-Caron et al, 2020) is a 36-item measure assessing psychopathy based on a three-factor model: Egocentric (α = .84; ω = .85), Callous (α = .83; ω = .83), and Antisocial (α = .80; ω = .80). Items are rated on a 6-point Likert scale.…”