Abstract

This study aims to comparatively analyze the PCL-R (Psychopathy Checklist-Revised), widely used within the criminal justice system in South Korea, through expanded models of structure. While the PCL-R, an interview-based tool for assessing psychopathy, has traditionally utilized a 4 factor structure, previous research has suggested that a 3 factor structure, excluding the antisocial factor, may be more appropriate. To evaluate this within a Korean sample, data from 1,092 incarcerated individuals across 38 correctional facilities nationwide were analyzed by comparing 14 models based on the PCL-R’s four- and three-factor structures (CFA, BI-CFA, H-CFA, ESEM(target), ESEM (Geomin), H-ESEM, BI-ESEM). The findings revealed that the four-factor model did not meet acceptable fit criteria for certain indices and that items associated with the antisocial factor loaded onto the lifestyle factor in the four-factor ESEM (Geomin) model. Additionally, inter-factor correlation analysis showed that the antisocial and lifestyle factors were indistinguishable. Conversely, the three-factor structure demonstrated acceptable model fit, proper item loadings, and clear factor distinctions in BI-CFA, ESEM (target), ESEM (Geomin), and H-ESEM models. Based on the findings of this study, the three-factor structure of the PCL-R appears to be more appropriate and reliable for the Korean incarcerated population. Although the antisocial factor is closely related to psychopathy, it may not represent a core component of the psychopathic construct.