Psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Assessment of Sadistic Tendencies (CAST) in Brazil

Abstract The objective of the study was to collect psychometric evidence for the Comprehensive Assessment of Sadistic Tendencies (CAST) in Brazil. The results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis indicated a unifactorial solution with adequate reliability and moderate to high discrimination items, covering a wide range of the latent trait. Correlations of the CAST with the Dark Triad, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and with the factors of the aggression scale are evidence of convergent validity. Moreover, sadism significantly increases the explanation of aggressive behavior. Bearing in mind the development of studies on the Dark Tetrad, the four most informative items of the CAST combined with the 12 items of the Dirty Dozen were tested using a Confirmatory Factor Analysis and presented acceptable indexes of fit. Overall, the findings gather evidence of psychometric suitability of the CAST and provide a short and efficient tool to assess the Dark Tetrad.