Content Validation of the Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality—Basic Version (CAPP-Basic) Using Prototypical Analysis

Abstract

The Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality (CAPP) is a lexically based conceptual model of psychopathy. Despite widespread use in research settings, the Lexical Rating Scale for the CAPP (CAPP-LRS) requires an advanced reading level for completion. The present study is the first to evaluate the content validity of the CAPP-Basic, a lexically simplified version of the CAPP-LRS designed for use with individuals possessing lower verbal skills. Symptoms were rated by mental health professionals (N = 121). Findings were largely in line with results of previous studies, indicating good content validity of the CAPP-Basic at the domain and symptom level.