Measurement Invariance of the Self-Report Psychopathy Short From (SRP-SF) Across Prisoner and Community Samples in Chile and Argentina

• In Event: Culture, Psychology, and Crime: Cross-National Behavioral Comparisons

Abstract

Psychopathy has been recognized as one of the strongest individual-level predictors of violent and criminal behaviour in Western societies. However, it remains underexplored in one of the most violent regions—Latin America. To reliably assess psychopathy in both community and correctional settings, the SRP-SF appears to be a promising tool in this region, offering a quicker, more cost-effective, and easier administration. Therefore, this study aims to assess the measurement invariance of the SRP-SF by comparing two samples of incarcerated men from Argentina (N = 292) and Chile (N = 209) with two community samples from these countries (N = 288 and N = 109, respectively). The four-factor model including Interpersonal, Affective, Lifestyle, and Antisocial facets will be tested using Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA) to determine whether the SRP-SF measures psychopathy and its different facets consistently across incarcerated and community samples in both countries. The findings will offer insights into the cross-national validity of the SRP-SF and its applicability for risk assessment, treatment planning, and evaluating serious offending in Latin America.

Author

• Selahattin Günay, University of Manchester