Background: Until now research has concentrated on the implementation of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory (YPI) among Western adolescents. However, the YPI, a self-report instrument for...Show moreBackground: Until now research has concentrated on the implementation of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory (YPI) among Western adolescents. However, the YPI, a self-report instrument for measuring psychopathic traits, has been investigated insufficiently for implementation among Moroccan adolescents. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the cross-ethnic generalization of the three factor model (Cooke & Michie, 2011) for Moroccan adolescents. In addition, research is done into the relation between the three factors of the YPI and psycho-social problems among Dutch and Moroccan adolescents. This study is based on a study by Veen et al. (2011). Methods: By means of a multi-group confirmative factor-analysis, the measuring invariance of the YPI is tested among Dutch and Moroccan adolescents from the normal population (n=283). The relation between the three factor model, externalizing- and internalizing problems has been studied by means of a Pearson correlation test. Results: The data of the random check support the three factor model of the YPI for the Dutch and Moroccan adolescents. It can be concluded that there is a good constructive validity of the YPI. Results of the correlation test confirm the strong positive relation between psychopathic traits and externalizing problems. There is also a positive but less strong relationship with the internalising problems. These relations are the same for both groups. The positive relationship between the three factors and pro-social behaviour is striking. Conclusion: The results of the survey imply that the YPI can be used without any problems on Moroccan adolescents from a standard group. They are therefore a good lead for further research into the generalization of the YPI among other ethnic groups. It is desirable for the further development of effective treatment programmes that research into the relationship between psychopathic traits and psycho-social problems is going to focus more on gender differences.Show less
