How many factors are there on the PICTS?

Abstract Introduction Several different factor models have been proposed for the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS), an 80‐item self‐report measure designed to assess thinking styles believed to maintain a criminal lifestyle. Aims To perform further tests on the factor structure with two new samples, and exploit their divergent characteristics to test for generalizability of the result. Method A series of factor analyses were performed on the PICTS, completed by two groups of offenders: 519 male prisoners and 227 female prisoners, to determine whether a one‐factor, two‐factor, four‐factor or eight‐factor model best fitted the data. Results The two‐factor model was superior to the one‐factor model, and the four‐ factor model was superior to both. An eight‐factor model, the factors being identical to the original eight PICTS thinking style scales (Mollification, Cutoff, Entitlement, Power Orientation, Sentimentality, Superoptimism, Cognitive Indolence, Discontinuity), achieved a significantly better fit than any of the other models in the male sample; the four and eight factor models were not significantly different among the women. Discussion Modest to moderate fit was attained with the two‐, four‐ and eight‐factor models when the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was utilized but not when the goodness‐of‐fit index (GFI) was applied. It is concluded that the factor structure of the PICTS consists of two primary or major factors (problem avoidance, self‐assertion/deception) and two secondary or minor factors (interpersonal hostility, denial of harm). The four‐factor model seems likely to be generalizable across divergent offender samples. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.