Psychopathic traits in a group of white Afrikaans-speaking students

English: Although psychopathy is recognised by many psychologists as a distinct concept, it is still surrounded by controversies. Self-report measuring instruments such as the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI), the Levenson Psychopathy Scale (LPS) and the Antisocial Action Scale (AAS) have been developed to address some of the needs regarding the assessment of psychopathy. The aim of this study was to determine the relevance of these instruments in a white Afrikaans-speaking student population, since no standardised psychopathy measuring instruments are available for the South African population. A sample of 86 white Afrikaans-speaking male and female psychology students was used in this study, and translated versions of the above-mentioned instruments, as well as the Negative Emotionality Scale (NEM-30), were administered. The results of this study indicate high internal consistencies for these scales and their sub-scales, except for the Alienated Tendencies (NEM-30) sub-scale. Therefore, it is indicated that these instruments are suitable for assessment and research purposes in white, Afrikaans-speaking student populations. However, the AAS seems to be more suitable as a screening device than diagnostic instrument for psychopathy in this particular population. The results also indicated differences in psychopathic traits across genders and cross-national populations. Limitations of the study are pointed out and recommendations are made.