Factor Structure of the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale: Two and Three factor solutions

We investigated the factor structure and predictive validity of a self-report measure of psychopathy (SRP-II; Hare, 1985). Data from an undergraduate sample (N = 356) were used to compare a two-factor (Harpur, Hakstian, & Hare, 1988) and three-factor (Cooke & Michie, 2001) structure of sub-clinical psychopathy. Results showed that, although both two and three-factors solutions were viable, the three-factor solution may be more useful for predictive purposes. The two-factor solution replicated an earlier analysis with Anti-social Behavior and Cold Affect factors. In the three-factor solution, the second factor decomposed into Deficient Affect and Interpersonal Callousness. The three-factor solution clarified the relation between psychopathy and delinquency in that Anti-social Behavior and Interpersonal Callousness predicted delinquency, but Deficient Affect (i.e., low anxiety), did not.