Triarchic or Septarchic? - Uncovering the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure’s (TriPM) Structure.

The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) is based on a three-dimensional conceptual model, though few studies have directly tested if it can be supported by a three-factor structure. The current study used a large community sample (N=1,064, 53% males, mean age = 34) to test the structure of the TriPM via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, along with four community replication samples from North American and Europe (N’s = 511-603, 33-49% males) and one European male offender sample (N = 150). Three of these samples were also used to model the correlations between relevant external correlates and the original TriPM factors versus emergent factors to examine the cost of mis-specifying TriPM structure. The model analyses did not support a three-factor model (CFI = .76, RMSEA = .08), revealing a number of items with limited statistical information, but uncovered a seven-factor structure (CFI=.92, RMSEA=.04). From the majority of Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition scale items, respectively, emerged three factors reflecting: Positive Self-image, Leadership, and Stress Immunity; two factors tapping Callousness and Enjoy Hurting; and two factors involving trait Impulsivity and overt Antisociality. Further, the Enjoy Hurting and overt Antisociality factors were more strongly correlated with one another than with the other scales from their home domains (Callousness and Impulsivity). All seven emergent factors were differentially associated with the external correlates, suggesting that the three original TriPM factors do not optimally represent the conceptual model underlying the TriPM.