Take the Dark Triad Quiz
In 2002, psychologists Delroy Paulhus and Kevin Williams coined the term “Dark Triad”—a description for those who share three personality characteristics: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and a measurable level of psychopathy. The Dark Triad personality isn’t as rare as you might think: roughly 1 in 14 (7%) people exhibit all three traits more than the average person.
In fact, you have probably met (or know of) many Dark Triads. For example, these folks are often confident and out-going, which makes them highly successful in dating—although these relationships usually end badly. They often get great jobs, but usually can’t hold them.
When matched with high intelligence, Dark Triads can create a lot of damage. Research shows that the smartest of them tend to rise quickly in areas associated with self-aggrandizement, such as politics and entertainment.
It is important to be on the look out for them for your well-being. But it is even more important to know if you exhibit the Dark Triad characteristics yourself, so you can take measures to manage your tendencies. This quiz is designed to do just that.
Learn more by reading Arthur's article, The Sociopaths Among Us.
Dark Triad Personality Test
This quiz is designed to test your levels of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, so as to help you understand whether you have Dark Triad tendencies. Let’s start with some definitions:
- Narcissism is the egotistical admiration of oneself (“It’s all about me”)
- Machiavellianism is a duplicitous interpersonal style and disregard for morality (“I will hurt you to succeed”)
- Psychopathy is the absence of empathy and remorse (“I don’t care if I hurt you”)
You will be presented with 27 questions on a variety of topics related to Narcissism, Machiavellianism and Psychopathy. You will score each answer on a scale if 1-5 (1 - Disagree, 2 - Slightly Disagree, 3 - Neutral, 4 - Slightly Agree, 5 - Agree). Your score will be an average of your answers for each trait.
This test is designed for users aged 18 and older, owing to the mature nature of the material. Please note: No matter your scores, this test is not intended for clinical diagnostic purposes.
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It's not wise to tell your secrets. Machiavellianism
People see me as a natural leader. Narcissism
I like to get revenge on authorities. Psychopathy
I like to use clever manipulation to get my way. Machiavellianism
I hate being the center of attention.Narcissism
I avoid dangerous situations. Psychopathy
Whatever it takes, you must get the important people on your side. Machiavellianism
Many group activities tend to be dull without me. Narcissism
Payback needs to be quick and nasty. Psychopathy
Avoid direct conflict with others because they may be useful in the future. Machiavellianism
I know that I am special because everyone keeps telling me so. Narcissism
People often say I’m out of control. Psychopathy
It's wise to keep track of information that you can use against people later. Machiavellianism
I like to get acquainted with important people.Narcissism
It's true that I can be mean to others. Psychopathy
You should wait for the right time to get back at people.Machiavellianism
I feel embarrassed if someone compliments me. Narcissism
People who mess with me always regret it. Psychopathy
There are things you should hide from other people because they don't need to know. Machiavellianism
I have been compared to famous people. Narcissism
I have never gotten into trouble with the law. Psychopathy
Make sure your plans benefit yourself, not others. Machiavellianism
I am an average person. Narcissism
I enjoy having sex with people I hardly know. Psychopathy
Most people can be manipulated. Machiavellianism
I insist on getting the respect I deserve. Narcissism
I'll say anything to get what I want. Psychopathy
Results
Your scores
If you score above the population mean in all three categories, you exhibit warning signs of a Dark Triad personality.
- The average person scores about 2.82 on narcissism.
- The average person scores about 3.04 on Machiavellianism.
- The average person scores about 2.18 on psychopathy.
UNLOCK THE FULL RESULTS
Dark Triad
You scored above the mean on narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—which indicates that you exhibit the signs of some level of Dark Triad personality. Importantly, this does not necessarily mean that you exhibit strong Dark Triad behaviors. Indeed, given that you’re taking this test—which probably means you have an interest in self-improvement— you probably don’t fulfill the most extreme criteria of the Dark Triad personality.
However, you might notice that you do regard yourself highly, and find it difficult to take constructive criticism—a symptom of narcissism. Your tendency might be to manipulatively cut corners at school or work, if it means you’ll succeed—a symptom of Machiavellianism. And if cutting corners makes your peers look worse, their feelings might not matter too much to you—a symptom of psychopathy.
Fortunately, research gives us ways to improve. The trick is to build your sense of compassion and empathy. This can be done in small steps. For instance, consider donating time or money to a volunteer organization that you would normally spend on yourself. Once a week, you can speak to a friend, family member, or stranger, without bringing the conversation to focus on yourself. If you’re struggling with a decision (no matter how big or small), genuinely ask a friend for advice. This kind of practice will help you build your empathy, modesty, and kindness.
Below the mean on all three
Good news! You scored below the mean on narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. You exhibit no warning signs of the Dark Triad personality.
Even though you don’t eclipse the population averages, you likely know people who do. Sometimes, these folks are unavoidable—especially if they are among your family or at a job you can’t leave. But now that you have information about Dark Triads, stay on the lookout and avoid them when possible. Dating Dark Triads often ends in misery, because the good initial moments turn sour: They tend to be unfaithful, and they are willing to hurt you emotionally. In your professional life, Dark Triads will turn on you quickly if it means making them look good (and you look bad). If you are a follower of politics, you will notice that the most toxic politicians—who reside on both sides of the aisle—often meet Dark Triad thresholds. They enjoy self-aggrandizement, will hurt their opponents to get ahead, and won’t care when doing so. Most alarmingly, they are quite persuasive to many voters. Don’t become captured by their rhetoric, no matter how tempting.
For a deeper dive on how to spot everyday Dark Triads, you can read my recent Atlantic essay
Narcissism: You scored
You scored above the mean on narcissism. Importantly, this does not necessarily mean that you meet the clinical threshold for narcissism personality disorder. “Malignant” narcissists, for example, tend to be emotionally abusive or even violent.
However, you might notice that you do regard yourself highly, and find it difficult to take constructive criticism. If you hold a strong opinion, you might lash out when someone disagrees with you, believing them to be ignorant or immoral. You might feel as though you are entitled to a work promotion, notwithstanding other good candidates for the role.
Fortunately, research gives us ways to improve. The trick is to build your empathy and to listen to others more. Instead of lashing out a person who disagrees with you, ask them questions about their position—not in an effort to catch them making a poor argument, but instead to genuinely understand their views. When a friend or family member gives you constructive criticism, don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that they’re wrong; instead, contemplate the possibility that you might, in fact, need improvement. Try to pay attention to the feelings of others, and use journaling or meditation to detach yourself from your own feelings. On the whole, pause before you react—and try to contemplate the reason behind others’ opinions or feelings—and you’ll find your narcissistic tendencies will begin to wane.
Machiavellianism: You scored
You scored above the mean on Machiavellianism. Importantly, this does not necessarily mean that you meet the clinical threshold for “high-Mach”. These folks, for example, tend to completely lack empathy and have an utterly unemotional view of others.
However, you might notice that you are rather cynical about the world. You might tend to be seduced by power and status, and are therefore relentless in your pursuit of professional or personal goals. Moreover, you will do whatever is necessary to achieve your goals—and it probably won’t matter to you if someone else has to suffer if it means you’ll achieve. This probably doesn’t mean physical violence; but, for instance, if making a coworker look bad means that you’ll advance, you might see this as worthwhile. The benefit of securing the promotion is worth your negative feelings about harming a peer.
Fortunately, research gives us ways to improve. The trick is expand your positive outlook, learn to trust others, and work to be less self-serving. One way to combat your cynicism—and expand your positive outlook—is starting a specific type of gratitude journal. For those with Machiavellian tendencies, your gratitude journal should always be outward facing: Instead of counting your blessings (e.g. your intelligence, your job, your money), try to observe the ways people in your life positively impact you. Furthermore, pause before you make a decision that will hurt another person and ask: If I were the other person, how would my life change? By placing yourself in another’s shoes, you will begin to build empathy. Over time, your actions will be less self-serving and more focused on the best possible outcome for all.
Psychopathy: You scored
You scored above the mean on psychopathy. Importantly, this does not necessarily mean that you meet the clinical threshold for psychopathy. These folks, for example, tend to feel utterly no remorse when they harm others—physically or emotionally.
However, you might notice that you do have trouble feeling remorse for wrongdoing. You might find lying very easy. If your actions hurt others, you may not think about their feelings in the aftermath. Growing up, you might have found apologizing intensely difficult and perhaps unnecessary.
Fortunately, research gives us ways to improve. Psychologists consider psychopathy—unlike narcissism and Machiavellianism—as the most difficult to deal with, but there are solutions. Therapy can be a good option. Thousands of therapists specialize in traits of psychopathy, and they often help their clients learn behavioral skills and understand the importance of loving relationships.