Dark Triad Test
Explore narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy — for self-discovery.
A tool for self-discovery, not a diagnosis of being a “villain”. Every trait has both a shadow side and adaptive aspects.
1. I like to be the center of attention.
What this test measures
This test gives you an estimate of where you stand on the Dark Triad—three socially aversive personality traits: narcissism (egoism, grandiosity), Machiavellianism (strategic manipulation, cynicism), and psychopathy (callousness, impulsivity). These traits exist on a spectrum; having a high score doesn't mean you're a clinical case, but it can offer insight into your interpersonal style and tendencies.
How it works
You'll answer a series of statements about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. For each, you choose how much you agree or disagree. The questions are adapted from validated research scales, such as the Short Dark Triad (SD3) and the Dirty Dozen. There are no right or wrong answers—just your honest responses.
How to read your results
Your results show a separate score for each of the three traits, usually on a low-to-high scale. A high score means you endorsed many of the items associated with that trait. Keep in mind that these are subclinical measures—they reflect everyday variation, not a diagnosis. Use your results as a starting point for self-reflection, not a label.
Who it's for
Anyone curious about personality psychology, how they interact with others, or why they sometimes use manipulative or selfish strategies. It's also useful for students, professionals in psychology, or people exploring personal development. It is not intended for clinical screening or job selection.
The science behind it
The Dark Triad was introduced by Paulhus and Williams (2002). Since then, hundreds of studies have linked these traits to outcomes like leadership, risk-taking, and relationship styles. The most common measures are the Short Dark Triad (SD3) by Jones and Paulhus (2014) and the Dirty Dozen by Jonason and Webster (2010). Our test draws on items from these instruments, adapted for clarity.
Sources
- Paulhus, D. L., & Williams, K. M. (2002). The Dark Triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Journal of Research in Personality, 36(6), 556–563.
- Jones, D. N., & Paulhus, D. L. (2014). Introducing the Short Dark Triad (SD3): A brief measure of dark personality traits. Assessment, 21(1), 28–41.
- Jonason, P. K., & Webster, G. D. (2010). The dirty dozen: A concise measure of the dark triad. Psychological Assessment, 22(2), 420–432.
FAQ
Is this test accurate?
This test is based on well-established research scales (SD3, Dirty Dozen) and gives a reasonable estimate of your dark triad traits. However, it's a self-report tool, so its accuracy depends on your honesty and self-awareness. It is not a clinical diagnostic instrument.
Is it free?
Yes, this test is completely free. There are no hidden charges or paywalls.
How long does it take?
Most people finish in about 5 minutes. It's a short set of questions designed for quick, insightful results.
Is this a clinical diagnosis?
No. This test measures subclinical traits, not disorders. It cannot diagnose narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or any other condition. If you have concerns about your mental health, please consult a qualified professional.
Can I retake it?
Yes, you can retake the test as many times as you like. However, for meaningful self-reflection, it's best to wait a few weeks between attempts to avoid practice effects.