This quiz is adapted from the 2010 research by Webster and Jonason, who created the “Dirty Dozen” to identify whether the Dark Triad was present.
The term “dark triad” was coined by researchers in 2002 to identify someone with personality traits that don’t meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis of associated personality disorders.
It consists of three personality traits: psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. Each of these traits has different characteristics.
- Narcissism: Common narcissistic traits include a sense of superiority, grandiosity, and entitlement.
- Psychopathy: A few traits of psychopathy are impulsivity, lack of empathy or remorse, and callousness.
- Machiavellianism: The Machiavellian personality trait is characterized by manipulative behaviors focused on self-interest and personal gain.
A person with the personality traits of the dark triad may have signs of one or all these traits. They may exhibit:
- lack of respect and empathy for others
- arrogance
- an unhealthy fascination with themselves
- manipulation and lying
- a need for attention and praise
- an unhealthy preoccupation with gaining power
- violent or aggressive behavior
- lack of remorse or regret
If you exhibit any of these traits, consider reaching out to a healthcare or mental health professional. They can help determine whether an underlying condition may be the cause of these behaviors.
The dark triad traits can be associated with several mental health conditions, including antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and conduct disorder.
Psychopathy and Machiavellianism aren’t considered official diagnoses by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR).
But a person with behaviors consistent with psychopathy may be diagnosed with ASPD, and a person with narcissistic behaviors might qualify for a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. This isn’t always the case. A mental health professional will be able to determine if you have one of these conditions.
Treating each trait can be challenging. There’s no specific treatment for dark triad personality traits, but a mental health professional can provide you with the tools and strategies to help address each individual trait.
Experiencing traits associated with the dark triad personality may feel overwhelming, but with the right support and treatment, you can learn to manage it.
This brief, time-saving questionnaire is meant for anyone who thinks they may be experiencing traits associated with the dark triad personality.
The information in this quiz can help you figure out whether you may benefit from the support of a mental health professional for the behaviors you’ve been experiencing.
A therapist can also help you determine if your issues may be a symptom of a different mental health condition and recommend a treatment plan if necessary.
This online screening is not intended to be a diagnostic tool. It will not guarantee that you may be diagnosed with a personality disorder or have any dark triad personality traits.
Only a licensed mental health professional can give you a diagnosis and help you figure out the next best steps for you.
If you think a partner, friend, or family member may have any dark triad personality traits, you may find this quiz helpful in assisting them in navigating further exploration of what they’re experiencing.
Keep in mind that the results may not be as accurate because they’re based on your perception of them and not their direct personal experience.
What is dark triad test?
The dark triad test is a tool you can use to determine whether or not you may embody the dark triad personality traits. Three traits make up the dark triad personality: narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. This self-screening test is not intended to be used as a tool for diagnosis. Only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose a mental health condition. Keep in mind that dark triad personality is not an official diagnosis, but these traits may be associated with another mental health condition such as antisocial personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder.
How do you know if you have a dark triad personality?
Only a licensed mental health professional can determine whether you may be experiencing dark triad personality traits. You can use this test as a self-screening tool to keep track of your behaviors and take the results with you if you decide to reach out to a professional. Remember that this is not an official diagnosis, but a professional may be able to determine if a mental health condition is the cause of your behaviors.
Is dark triad attractive?
A 2014 study found that females were attracted to males who exhibited personality traits consistent with the dark triad. But attractiveness is subjective. What one person finds alluring, another might not.
What are dark triad facial features?
No conclusive evidence exists that a person who has traits of the dark triad personality has specific facial features. In other words, there’s no way to tell whether a person has characteristics consistent with dark triad personality traits just by looking at their face. A 2019 study suggests that high narcissism may be identifiable by certain facial features, but stronger research is needed.