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Dark triad test

Do you like to stay one step ahead, enjoy the spotlight or act first and think later? Rate 18 statements to see where you sit on the three dark triad traits.

Your answers are scored in this tab. Nothing is uploaded, saved, or sent anywhere. This is a self-check, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can diagnose a mental health condition.

How well does each statement describe you? Answer as you usually are, not as you would like to be.

  1. I think about what people can do for me before I decide how friendly to be.

  2. I deserve more recognition than most people get.

  3. I often act on impulse, even when I know it's risky.

  4. I'd rather lose a deal than win it by tricking someone.

  5. I'm happy to stay in the background at social events.

  6. I feel guilty for a long time when I've hurt someone.

  7. I'll tell people what they want to hear if it gets me what I want.

  8. People often tell me I'm special or gifted.

  9. I enjoy taking risks that make other people nervous.

  10. I believe most people can be trusted.

  11. I'm happy to let others take credit for shared work.

  12. I avoid doing things that could hurt others, even if I'd gain from them.

  13. I like to know people's weak spots, in case I need them one day.

  14. I like being admired, and I go out of my way to be noticed.

  15. When someone gets hurt because of me, I move on quickly.

  16. I'm open and honest about what I want, even when it costs me.

  17. I don't need others to see me as successful.

  18. Other people's pain affects me deeply.

0 of 18 answered

About this test

The dark triad is a set of three overlapping personality traits named by psychologists Delroy Paulhus and Kevin Williams in 2002: Machiavellianism (strategic, manipulative, cynical about others), narcissism (a need for admiration and a sense of being special) and psychopathy (impulsive, thrill-seeking, low in empathy and guilt). Everyone has some of each; they are measured on a scale, like other traits.

The statements were written for cv.cm; this is not the Short Dark Triad (SD3) or any clinical tool. A high score is not a diagnosis of narcissistic or antisocial personality disorder, which only a clinician can make. Half the statements are reversed, so agreeing with everything lands in the middle. Use your result to reflect, not to label yourself or anyone else.

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FAQ

What are the three dark triad traits?

Machiavellianism is a cold, strategic approach to people and a willingness to manipulate them. Narcissism is grandiosity, entitlement and a need for admiration. Psychopathy is impulsivity, thrill-seeking and a lack of empathy or remorse.

How is the score worked out?

Each trait has six statements scored 0 to 4, three of them reversed, giving a score for each trait out of 24, shown as a percentage. Below 40% is low, 40–60% is average and above 60% is high.

Does a high score mean I'm a psychopath?

No. These are everyday traits that vary across the population, and a self-report quiz cannot diagnose a personality disorder. Moderate levels can even help in competitive settings; very high levels tend to harm relationships over time.

Can I take it about someone else?

It is written for rating yourself. Answering for a partner or coworker mostly measures your view of them, so don't use it to label people.