Translation and validation of the Subtypes of Antisocial Behavior Questionnaire in Urdu: a measure of anti-social behaviors

Purpose This study aimed to translate and validate the Subtypes of Antisocial Behavior Questionnaire (STAB) into Urdu to assess antisocial behaviors within the indigenous Pakistani context. Design/methodology/approach Brislin’s translation model was followed to ensure linguistic and cultural accuracy. The translated version was evaluated for conceptual, semantic and idiomatic equivalence. Psychometric properties were tested through Cronbach’s alpha reliability, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and correlation analysis. Findings The Urdu version of the STAB demonstrated linguistic clarity and conceptual equivalence with the original English version. The scale showed acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s a = .89) and valid factorial structure, confirming its suitability for measuring antisocial behaviors in the Urdu-speaking population. Research limitations/implications The validation was conducted on a general sample, and the findings may not fully generalize to populations with extreme antisocial tendencies. Broader validation across diverse demographic groups is needed. Practical implications The validated Urdu STAB provides researchers and practitioners with a culturally appropriate tool to assess antisocial behaviors, aiding in prevention, intervention and policy-making in Pakistan. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to translate and validate the STAB into Urdu, extending its applicability to non-English-speaking populations and contributing to cross-cultural research on antisocial behavior.