A systematic review of studies on the factor structure of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R)

Abstract

Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) has been called the “gold standard” for assessing psychopathy, in light of the extensive number of investigations addressing its psychometric properties. Nevertheless, factor structure of PCL-R remains as a contentious issue among researchers. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the factor structure of PCL-R. We found 28 non-redundant studies reporting 11 distinct, empirically-plausible factor structures for the instrument. A two-factor model, a hierarchical three-factor model with six testlets, and a four-factor model comprised the most prevalent factor structures. We discuss these three models in light of both its statistical and theoretical merits. Furthermore, we stress methodological shortcomings of some of the studies included in the review.