Psychopathic traits in a group of Basotho students

In the light of the controversy surrounding the concept and assessment of psychopathy, the main aim of this study was to determine the relevancy of psychopathy-related measures from a non-Western and more specific black African perspective. More than 100 Basotho (Sesotho-speaking) Psychology students were assessed with measuring instruments which had been translated into Sesotho. The total reliability of these instruments was found to be acceptable, but the reliability coefficients for most of the subscales were unsatisfactory. The validity of the instruments could also be questioned. Significant correlations were found among the measures. When the results of the present study were compared with an American sample, it appeared that the Basotho group scored higher on primary psychopathy but lower on secondary psychopathy than the American group. However, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution, as there were several shortcomings that derived, among others, from the translation and administration of the questionnaires, as well as the researchers’ neglecting the impact of language of instruction versus that of home language.