Validation of the Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder (PSCD) Scale in a Sample of Italian Students

This study aimed to further validate the self-reported version of the Proposed Specifiers Conduct Disorder (PSCD) scale, testing the associations between the PSCD with a scale that measures emotional/behavioral difficulties and prosocial behaviors (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ). A to...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Pietro Muratori, Carlo Buonanno, Anna Gallani, Giuseppe Grossi, Valentina Levantini, Annarita Milone, Simone Pisano, Randall T. Salekin, Gianluca Sesso, Gabriele Masi, Annalaura Nocentini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-11-01
Series:Children
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/8/11/1020
Description
Summary:This study aimed to further validate the self-reported version of the Proposed Specifiers Conduct Disorder (PSCD) scale, testing the associations between the PSCD with a scale that measures emotional/behavioral difficulties and prosocial behaviors (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ). A total of 536 Italian students (47.76% male; 11–14 years) completed the PSCD, while their caregivers and teachers completed the SDQ. A series of confirmatory factor analyses to test the best fitting model were run. The internal consistency of the PSCD was evaluated, and the correlations between the PSCD self-reported scores and SDQ Parent and Teacher report scores were examined. A bi-factor model was fitted with a refined 19-item version of the scale, which showed adequate fit indices. The PSCD total score was strongly associated with higher parent- and teacher-rated conduct problems, hyperactivity, and lower prosocial behavioral symptoms. In conclusion, this study indicated that the self-report PSCD shows preliminary promise as a reliable, easy-to-use tool, for measuring psychopathic traits in Italian children and young adolescents.
ISSN:2227-9067