Have you ever heard of a personality test titled “The Dark Triad”? Sounds a bitevil, right?

When people take personality tests, the results are typically positive or neutral. There is nothing particularly disappointing about your Myers-Briggs score; “thinkers” or “perceivers,” for example, are relatively neutral terms. However, not all traits are positive. Some traits are negative and are generally attributed to people who do negative things.

The Dark Triad looks at these negative traits. Psychologists have developed tests to determine whether or not these traits exist and potentially spot dangerous people.

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I am the life of the party.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am the life of the party.

DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Disagree

Slightly Disagree

Neutral

Slightly Agree

Agree

I feel little concern for others.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I feel little concern for others.

I am always prepared.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am always prepared.

I get stressed out easily.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I get stressed out easily.

I have a rich vocabulary.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I have a rich vocabulary.

I don’t talk a lot.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I don’t talk a lot.

I am interested in people.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am interested in people.

I leave my belongings around.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I leave my belongings around.

I am relaxed most of the time.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am relaxed most of the time.

I have difficulty understanding abstract ideas.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I have difficulty understanding abstract ideas.

I feel comfortable around people.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I feel comfortable around people.

I insult people.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I insult people.

I pay attention to details.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I pay attention to details.

I worry about things.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I worry about things.

I have a vivid imagination.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I have a vivid imagination.

I keep in the background.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I keep in the background.

I sympathize with others' feelings.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I sympathize with others' feelings.

I make a mess of things.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I make a mess of things.

I seldom feel blue.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I seldom feel blue.

I am not interested in abstract ideas.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am not interested in abstract ideas.

I start conversations.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I start conversations.

I am not interested in other people’s problems.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am not interested in other people’s problems.

I get chores done right away.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I get chores done right away.

I am easily disturbed.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am easily disturbed.

I have excellent ideas.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I have excellent ideas.

I have little to say.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I have little to say.

I have a soft heart.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I have a soft heart.

I often forget to put things back in their proper place.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I often forget to put things back in their proper place.

I get upset easily.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I get upset easily.

I do not have a good imagination.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I do not have a good imagination.

I talk to a lot of different people at parties.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I talk to a lot of different people at parties.

I am not really interested in others.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am not really interested in others.

I like order.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I like order.

I change my mood a lot.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I change my mood a lot.

I am quick to understand things.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am quick to understand things.

I don’t like to draw attention to myself.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I don’t like to draw attention to myself.

I take time out for others.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I take time out for others.

I shirk my duties.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I shirk my duties.

I have frequent mood swings.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I have frequent mood swings.

I use difficult words.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I use difficult words.

I don’t mind being the center of attention.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I don’t mind being the center of attention.

I feel others' emotions.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I feel others' emotions.

I follow a schedule.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I follow a schedule.

I get irritated easily.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I get irritated easily.

I spend time reflecting on things.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I spend time reflecting on things.

I am quiet around strangers.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am quiet around strangers.

I make people feel at ease.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I make people feel at ease.

I am exacting in my work.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am exacting in my work.

I often feel blue.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I often feel blue.

I am full of ideas.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am full of ideas.

It’s true that I can be mean to others.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

It’s true that I can be mean to others.

Avoid direct conflict with others because they may be useful in the future.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Avoid direct conflict with others because they may be useful in the future.

Make sure your plans benefit you, not others.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Make sure your plans benefit you, not others.

People who mess with me always regret it.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

People who mess with me always regret it.

I feel embarrassed if someone compliments me.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I feel embarrassed if someone compliments me.

I am an average person.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am an average person.

Whatever it takes, you must get the important people on your side.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Whatever it takes, you must get the important people on your side.

Most people can be manipulated.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Most people can be manipulated.

Many group activities tend to be dull without me.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Many group activities tend to be dull without me.

I know that I am special because everyone keeps telling me so.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I know that I am special because everyone keeps telling me so.

Generally speaking, people won’t work hard unless they have to.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Generally speaking, people won’t work hard unless they have to.

I insist on getting the respect I deserve.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I insist on getting the respect I deserve.

People often say I’m out of control.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

People often say I’m out of control.

I like to get revenge on authorities.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I like to get revenge on authorities.

There are things you should hide from other people because they don’t need to know.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

There are things you should hide from other people because they don’t need to know.

Payback needs to be quick and nasty.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Payback needs to be quick and nasty.

I hate being the center of attention.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I hate being the center of attention.

I like to get acquainted with important people.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I like to get acquainted with important people.

I have been compared to famous people.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I have been compared to famous people.

I like to pick on losers.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I like to pick on losers.

I’ll say anything to get what I want.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I’ll say anything to get what I want.

It’s wise to keep track of information that you can use against people later.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

It’s wise to keep track of information that you can use against people later.

I have never gotten into trouble with the law.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I have never gotten into trouble with the law.

You should wait for the right time to get back at people.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

You should wait for the right time to get back at people.

People see me as a natural leader.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

People see me as a natural leader.

I avoid dangerous situations.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I avoid dangerous situations.

It’s not wise to tell your secrets.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

It’s not wise to tell your secrets.

I prefer to do work “whenever”.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I prefer to do work “whenever”.

I am very punctual.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I am very punctual.

I like to leave my options open and undecided.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I like to leave my options open and undecided.

It’s more admirable to be organized than to adapt quickly.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

It’s more admirable to be organized than to adapt quickly.

I work in bursts of energy.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I work in bursts of energy.

Common sense is often questionable.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Common sense is often questionable.

I’d rather trust my hunch than past experience.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I’d rather trust my hunch than past experience.

In writing, I prefer more literal stories than metaphors.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

In writing, I prefer more literal stories than metaphors.

I start with facts, then form a big picture.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I start with facts, then form a big picture.

I trust my experiences more than words.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I trust my experiences more than words.

I like doing things that are new and different.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I like doing things that are new and different.

Sometimes I think so much about new possibilities that I never look at how to make them a reality.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

Sometimes I think so much about new possibilities that I never look at how to make them a reality.

I’m more interested in what is actual, than what is possible.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I’m more interested in what is actual, than what is possible.

It’s harder for me to utilize others than to identify with them.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

It’s harder for me to utilize others than to identify with them.

I often daydream about what is possible.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I often daydream about what is possible.

I learn best when I see how to use what I’m learning.DisagreeSlightly DisagreeNeutralSlightly AgreeAgree

I learn best when I see how to use what I’m learning.

What is the Dark Triad Test?The 3 Infamous TraitsThe Dark Triad and The Big FiveTake The Test With Your FriendsDark Triad and Facial AppearancesDark Triad and Dating

What is the Dark Triad Test?

The 3 Infamous Traits

The Dark Triad and The Big Five

Take The Test With Your Friends

Dark Triad and Facial Appearances

Dark Triad and Dating

Like most personality traits, The Dark Triad exists in all people to certain degrees. Everyone has some of these nasty and ‘evil’ qualities. Researchers show that some degrees of these traits indicate a potentially good business leader orbright person. But the people who are more “dark” than others are more likely to act in ways that hurt others.

So what are these scary Dark Triad traits? They areNarcissism, Psychopathy,andMachiavellianism.Each trait has a raw score of 0-4, which is usually measured with a percentile. For example, if you get a narcissism score of 40, that means that 60 people are more narcissistic than you.

Narcissism

Narcissism Narcissism is an inflated sense of self. Narcissists believe that they are a superior person to others and require that people constantly recognize them for their superiority. They don’t just crave attention or work to earn praise…theyexpectthis attention or praise, even if they don’t accomplish much.

People with high narcissism scores on the dark triad personality quiz usually display the following:

As a result of these beliefs, narcissists will insist on having things that “meet their standard.” They may use dishonest means to get what they want. Narcissists will excuse their poor behavior because they believe they deserve the things they want.

Here is the data I have collected from the quiz above, with around 20,000 test results from the raw data of the Psychopathy trait:

Narcissism Raw Scores from Dark Triad Narcissism Raw Scores from Dark Triad

Note that there are no results for 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 due to how the quiz raw score is calculated. Keep this in mind while reading these graphs.

Psychopathy

Psychopathy Psychopathy is one of the most difficult traits to spot but one of the most dangerous traits to have. Psychopaths have little empathy or consciousness. They can commit heinous crimes against others without feeling any remorse for what they have done.

People have a hard time pointing out psychopaths because they can also be excessively charming. Ted Bundy is a classic psychopath; while people believed he was really charming and kind on the outside, he never seemed to show remorse for brutally killing over 30 women in the 70s.

People with high psychopathy scores on the dark triad inventory usually display the following:

Psychopathy raw scores Psychopathy raw scores

Researchers have been studying psychopaths for longer than they have been studying the Dark Triad. In the 1970s, Robert Hare developed theHare Psychopathy Checklistto diagnose psychopathy. The checklist looks at a person’s tendencies to be (or not to be) impulsive, empathetic, or delinquent. A score of 30 on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist denotes a psychopath. Ted Bundy scored a 39.

Machiavellianism

Machiavelliansim Machiavelliansim

People with high Machiavellianism scores on the dark triad test usually display the following:

Here is the data I have collected from the quiz above, with around 20,000 test results from the raw data of the Machiavellianism trait:

Machiavellianism raw score from dark triad quiz Machiavellianism raw score from dark triad quiz

In Paulhus and Williams’ original article about The Dark Triad, they argue that when it comes to these traits, “their only common Big Five correlate was disagreeableness.” Later studies have shown other connections between The Big Five and The Dark Triad. For example:

This same research, conducted in 2011 at the University of Western Ontario, suggests that these Dark Triad traits arelargely genetic. This means that nature, rather than nurture, is more likely to cause these traits. Trauma or environmental factorscancause people to commit crimes and do bad things, but the tendency to commit crimes without remorse and manipulate people is largely inherent.

If Dark Triad traits are genetic, further research can help us identify potentially dark and dangerous people before they act out and cause harm to others.

It only takes about seven minutes to take the Short Dark Triad test. Like most personality tests, this test comes with a few statements you may agree or disagree with. Don’t worry about how you are scoring when you take the test - just stay honest.

Give the test to your friends and share answers. Consider this a warning sign if any of your friends score over 60 on the results. The score could indicate that your friends are manipulative, dishonest, or don’t have a high interest in your well-being. In other words, they might not make such a great friend and should be kept at a longer distance.

The trick about these dark triad traits in your friends is that you cannot change them. In fact, it is very difficult to change someone else’s personality. However, you do have the great ability to alter your ability and, thus, lower your dark triad personality scores. This process is called “Self Improvement”, and if you’d like to learn more about personality psychology, you can take the test yourself or read more on the topic throughout this website.

The Light Triad

An adversary to the dark triad personality quiz isthe light triad. This is a simple test to measure ‘positive’ traits of your character. Scott Barry Kaufman developed the Light Triad.

You might ask, “If you score high on the dark triad, will you score low on the light triad?”. Well, a recent study found a correlation of -0.48, which means there’s a slight negative correlation, but it’s not enough to be scientifically significant.

This trait is that you should treat people as humans for their means, not as pawns or ‘players’ in your game. If you rank low in Kantianism, you most likely treat people as things to manipulate and only valuable if they’re useful to you.

This trait is essentially the belief that humans are good. There’s a small correlation between someone’s faith in humanity and their likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression.

This is the belief that humans deserve respect and appreciation regardless of their background or differences.MOSTpeople will have a higher score of humanism, but you’d be surprised how much of the general population holds prejudice against certain human differences.

There seems to be a link between certain facial features and scoring differently on the dark triad scales. Take a look below to see the average faces of 33 men and 48 women in each category:

dark triad faces dark triad faces

Participants were also able to pick out female faces that scored high on the psychopathy scale.

They noted in the study that people are NOT good at discriminating against those with high or low Machiavellian scores.

They found that “Together, our results suggest that male and female faces contain valid cues of narcissism, but do not necessarily contain valid cues of psychopathy or Machiavellianism.”

There have been a few studies that show the connection between high scores in each category of the quiz and long-term and short-term relationships.

One study showed that people who score high in all 3 traits desire short-term relationships more often than long-term ones. They also noted that they had a higher-than-average number of sexual partners. (Jonason, Li, Webster, & Schmidt, 2009)

Think about it… If you only care about yourself (narcissistic), are willing to do anything to have sex (Machiavellianism), and don’t feel bad afterward (psychopathy), then of course you’ll have more sexual partners.

People scoring high in all 3 can also “steal mates” and “be taken from mates”. This doesn’t mean cheating, but it’s the next worst thing. (Jonason, Li, & Buss, 2010)

The Dark Tetrad

Some psychologists believe a 4th dark trait should be added to the scale: sadism. Sadism is usually defined as ‘the enjoyment of cruelty’, which would definitely classify as dark. However, there isn’t much research on how this trait correlates with the other 3.

In conclusion, understanding the Dark Triad of personality traits – Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Machiavellianism – offers valuable insights into the darker aspects of human behavior. While these traits are present in everyone to some degree, their prominence can significantly impact interpersonal relationships and social dynamics. It’s important to remember that personality traits are complex and multi-faceted, and labeling individuals solely based on test scores can be misleading.

The Dark Triad test and the contrasting Light Triad provide a framework for exploring the balance between our darker and more positive traits. As research continues to evolve, it’s clear that the study of these personality traits not only helps us understand others better but encourages self-reflection and personal growth. So, whether you’re looking to understand complex human behaviors or just curious about your personality, delving into the world of the Dark Triad can be a fascinating journey.

Related posts:45+ Negative Correlation Examples (Definition + Use-cases)Positive Correlation (Meaning + 39 Examples + Quiz)Vulnerable Narcissist (Definition + Examples + Defense Mechanisms)17+ Cardinal Traits (Definition + Examples)Illusory Correlation (Definition + Examples)

Reference this article:Practical Psychology. (2019, February).The Dark Triad Personality Test (Free 5-Min Quiz).Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/the-dark-triad/.Practical Psychology. (2019, February). The Dark Triad Personality Test (Free 5-Min Quiz). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/the-dark-triad/.Copy

Reference this article:

Practical Psychology. (2019, February).The Dark Triad Personality Test (Free 5-Min Quiz).Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/the-dark-triad/.Practical Psychology. (2019, February). The Dark Triad Personality Test (Free 5-Min Quiz). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/the-dark-triad/.Copy

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