title: Violent and sexual offences: a validation of the predictive quality of the PCL:SV in Switzerland.
abstract: Used to diagnose psychopathy, the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV) is still rarely used in the German-speaking part of Europe. The aim of the present study was to conduct a first-time evaluation of the predictive validity of the PCL:SV for sexual and violent recidivism in the German language area. PCL:SV scores for 96 violent and sexual offenders in Switzerland were assessed. These assessments were based on data taken from the forensic psychiatric expert opinions. The scores were then compared to subsequent recidivism as shown in the official criminal records. ROC analysis indicated a cut-off score of 14 for maximized overall predictive accuracy. Consistent with various results from past research in North America and Europe, the PCL:SV yielded a satisfying predictive accuracy (ROC area=.69). This degree of accuracy demonstrates the PCL:SV's usefulness for risk assessment of sexual and violent delinquency in the Swiss cultural and German language area.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatric-Psychological Service, Zurich Justice Department, Postfach, CH-8090 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Urbaniok
authors.forename: Jérôme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Endrass
authors.forename: Astrid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rossegger
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Noll
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland; D014754:Violence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*