an examination of the factor structure of the psychopathy checklist

instrumentality. Specifically, neither Factor 1, nor Facet 1 or 2, were significant
predictors of the use of instrumental violence in this sample. Further examination of the
relationship between the interpersonal and affective factors of psychopathy and
instrumentality using SEM also did not reveal a significant relationship. A comparison of
the composition of the sample in the current study as compared to the sample used by
Vitacco and colleagues may serve as an explanation for this discrepancy. Indeed, in the
latter study, the mean PCL:YV total score was over 12 points higher than that of the
former study (31.26 versus 18.83) which indicates that their sample was exhibiting a
more severe level of psychopathic traits.
The findings among the present study’s female sample demonstrate that young
girls’ use of instrumental violence is likely different than their male counterparts. As
outlined in the introduction, Factor 1 items on the PCL:YV closely resemble CU traits as
described by Frick et al. (2000). However, evident from the present study’s results, CU
traits, as measured by PCL:YV Factor 1 scores, were not an important predictor of the
use of instrumental violence. Indeed, high scores on the interpersonal facet of the
PCL:YV, characterized by impression management, a grandiose sense of self-worth,
pathological lying and manipulation for personal gain were not related to the use of
instrumental violence among this generally violent female youth sample. These findings
suggest that whereas males likely become violent when they feel disrespected, or when
their perceived status is challenged (Vitacco et al., 2006), this does not appear to be the
case with females. Specifically, our results do not lend support to the theory of
threatened egotism whereby individuals with high levels of narcissism respond violently
when they perceive they are insulted or disrespected (Barry, Grafeman, Adler, &
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