Deenz Psychopathy Spectrum Scale (DPSS-24) German Population

Citation Author(s):
Deen Mohd
Dar
Submitted by:
Deen Dar
Last updated:
Thu, 10/31/2024 - 22:19
DOI:
10.21227/pxrm-dt27
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Abstract 

The Deenz Psychopathy Spectrum Scale (DPSS-24) is a newly developed psychometric instrument aimed at assessing psychopathy traits across diverse adult populations. This study presents preliminary data collected from two distinct samples—a group of 21 participants from an initial testing phase and a German sample of 31 participants. Each participant completed the DPSS-24, a 24-item scale designed to measure various psychopathy-related behaviors, including impulsivity, emotional detachment, and interpersonal difficulties, using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5.

Results were analyzed for overall psychopathy scores, item-level response trends, and the scale’s internal consistency. Descriptive statistics highlighted variations in psychopathy traits across the samples, and Cronbach’s alpha was computed to assess reliability. Findings indicate that the DPSS-24 provides meaningful insights into psychopathy traits, showing promise as a reliable tool for both research and clinical applications. This study underscores the potential of the DPSS-24 to enhance the nuanced understanding and measurement of psychopathy across populations, paving the way for further validation and cross-cultural research.

Instructions: 
  • Data Collection: Administer the DPSS-24 to participants, ensuring they understand each of the 24 items. Responses should be recorded on a Likert scale from 1 (low agreement) to 5 (high agreement). For cross-cultural validation, gather data from diverse demographic samples, such as the general population in specific regions.

  • Scoring: Sum the responses across the 24 items to generate an overall psychopathy score for each participant. Scores may range from 24 (lowest possible) to 120 (highest possible), where higher scores indicate a greater presence of psychopathy traits.

  • Data Analysis:

    • Descriptive Statistics: Calculate the mean, median, and range of scores to assess central tendencies and variation within each sample.
    • Reliability Analysis: Compute Cronbach’s alpha to evaluate internal consistency. An alpha above 0.7 generally suggests adequate reliability.
    • Item Analysis: Examine individual item responses to identify any significant patterns or trends across items.
  • Interpretation: Compare scores across different groups to observe patterns in psychopathy traits. Discuss findings in the context of existing psychopathy scales, noting how the DPSS-24 may provide unique insights.

  • Reporting: Summarize findings, including demographic breakdowns, score distributions, and reliability statistics, in a clear and accessible format for research or clinical use.