Elaborating on the construct validity of triarchic psychopathy measure in Chinese clinical and nonclinical samples

The contemporary knowledge of the construct and operationalization of psychopathy in East Asian countries is still limited. The present paper examines the validity and applicability of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) based on the triarchic model of psychopathy in Chinese clinical and nonclinical samples. The results of Study 1 using a psychiatric patient sample (N = 193) showed that the pattern of associations between the TriPM scales (Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition) and the 3 factors (Egocentricity, Callous, and Antisocial) of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale were similar to previous studies using English-speaking samples. Study 2 examined the construct validity of the TriPM with the inclusion of culturally adapted measures as external criteria in a university sample (N = 311). The TriPM Boldness scale was uniquely associated with fearlessness, whereas TriPM Disinhibition was associated with risky behaviors. TriPM Meanness significantly correlated with a Chinese interpersonal construct, Renqing, which is a social norm of interpersonal affect and relations. Cross-cultural implications for psychopathy are discussed.