Sadistic Tendencies Scale for Young Adults: A Psychometric Approach

The current study explored the cultural manifestation of sadistic tendencies among young adults. In phase I, using an open-ended phenomenological approach, key components of sadistic tendencies were elicited from 33 young adults (males=16 females=17) aged 18-24 years. A content validity index for items and scale was established in phase II. In phase III, pilot testing was conducted on 28 young adults (males=13, females=15). In phase IV, a sample of 400 young females and male adults (male=200, females=200) ages 18-24 years (M = 20.52, SD = 1.75) from a BS four-year program in the same proportion were tested for psychometric properties of Sadistic Tendencies Scale (STS) along with Interpersonal Difficulties Scale (IDS). Exploratory factor analysis generated three factors of the Sadistic Tendencies Scale: denigration, inability to regulate, and dominance. Furthermore, the scale was found to have high internal consistency, convergent validity, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability. The results are discussed in the light of factorial structure in the Pakistani culture.