Snapshotting the dark core of personality in youth: D5 and D10

Purpose The dark personality or D is a bourgeoning research area in psychopathology, but its application to youth is largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the D5 and D10 very short measures among male and female Portuguese youth. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional sample of male and female Portuguese youth (n = 559 youth, M = 16.51 years, SD = 1.07, range = 14–20 years) was used. Findings The proposed one-dimensional latent structures obtained good fits. Internal consistency as measured by the alpha and omega reliability estimators was mostly good. Significant associations were found with psychometric measures of relevant constructs (e.g. self-control, psychopathic traits and criminogenic cognitions) and external criterion-related variables (e.g. engaging in illegal activities, alcohol use and drug abuse). Cross-gender measurement invariance was established, with male youth scoring significantly higher on D5 and D10. Practical implications The findings support the use of D5 and D10 as valid and reliable very short measures of dark traits of personality among youth. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the psychometric properties of the D5 and D10 very short measures of the dark core of personality in youth.