Factor Structure and Distinctiveness of the Violence Propensity Vignette Questionnaire (VPVQ)

Abstract

Measuring violence has been challenging due to differing perspectives and methodological issues. Nunes, Hermann, Maimone, Atlas, and Grant (2019) recently developed and initially validated the Violence Propensity Vignette Questionnaire (VPVQ) as a proxy measure to assess propensity for violent behaviour applicable to both community and forensic/correctional populations and settings. The current study used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and examined semi-partial correlations to determine the factor structure of the VPVQ vignettes and response options, and the distinctiveness of the VPVQ in the developmental sample of community males. A 1-factor structure emerged for the vignettes, and the semi-partial correlations suggest a small but unique significant contribution. These results suggest that the VPVQ is measuring a unique construct independent of the comparison measures. The VPVQ response options EFA was problematic. Possible explanations for the emergent factor structures, challenges, and future directions for research and use of the VPVQ are discussed.