Validation of the measure of delinquent social identity among youth offenders in the UK

The current study aimed to develop and validate the Measure of Delinquent Social Identity (MDSI). Dimensionality and construct validity of the MDSI was investigated in a sample of youth offenders (N = 536). Four alternative models of the MDSI were estimated using Mplus. The model identified as being the best fit for the data was a bifactor model with three dimensions (cognitive centrality, in-group affect, in-group ties), while controlling for the general factor. The three subscales differentially correlated with criminal friend index, self-esteem, parental attachment and peer rejection. Limitations and advantages, including practical implications, of the current research are discussed.