The parent-rated short version of the proposed specifiers for conduct disorder (PSCD-SV-P) in Chinese preschoolers: a psychometric evaluation

Introduction The proposed specifiers for conduct disorder scale short version (PSCD-SV) is a 13-item shorter version of the original 24-item PSCD developed to assess psychopathic traits in children and adolescents. The current study aimed to examine the factor structure, measurement invariance, and construct validity of the parent-rated PSCD-SV (PSCD-SV-P) in Chinese preschool children. Methods A sample of Chinese preschoolers ( N = 559, M age = 4.82, SD = 0.86, 46.7% girls) was drawn from two preschools in Guizhou Province through convenience sampling. The PSCD-SV-P and other criterion measures (i.e., CPTI and SDQ) were completed by the preschoolers’ parents. Results The CFA results generally supported both proposed first-order four-factor model and four-factor superordinate structure, and the MCFA further verified that the originally proposed first-order factor solution of PSCD-SV-P scores had scalar invariance across children’s genders (i.e., boys and girls). Moreover, the PSCD-SV-P scores had acceptable internal consistency (i.e., McDonald’s ω , and MICs), the convergent and criterion validity of the PSCD-SV-P was supported by the expected relations with child psychopathy measures (i.e., CPTI), and psychosocial functioning of children (e.g., conduct problems, hyperactivity, and prosocial behavior). Discussion The current study supports the utility of the parent-rated PSCD-SV in assessing psychopathic traits and CD among Chinese preschool children.