Dark Triad Personality Test: what it measures and how to interpret your score

The Dark Triad is a concept in psychology that groups together three socially aversive personality traits that are present to varying degrees in everyone: narcissism (grandiosity and need for admiration), Machiavellianism (strategic manipulation and cynicism), and subclinical psychopathy (emotional insensitivity and impulsivity). This test will allow you to measure where you stand on each of these dimensions. Moderate levels of these traits can be adaptive in certain contexts.

In the article that follows, I explore the dark personality traits. If you recognise yourself in this theme, I designed a dark triad test that helps you take stock of the presence of dark traits (narcissism, machiavellianism). It comes with a guide to extend your reflection beyond the results. I also wrote two books on this subject, Breaking Free from Toxic Relationships and Inside the Godfather's Mind, if you would like to go further.

Take the test: Dark Triad → — Want to know where you land on narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy? This assessment scores each of the three dimensions.

What the test measures

• Tendency toward grandiosity, need for admiration, and feelings of superiority.
• Tendency toward strategic manipulation, cynicism, and prioritizing personal interests.
• Tendency toward emotional insensitivity, impulsivity, and lack of empathy.

How to interpret your score

Your result reads as an intensity, not a diagnosis:

• Low dark traits : Your profile shows few Dark Triad traits. You are empathetic, honest, and respectful of others.
• Moderate dark traits : You present moderate Dark Triad traits, which is common in the general population.
• High dark traits : Your profile shows elevated Dark Triad traits that can negatively affect your relationships.
• Very high dark traits : Your profile indicates very high Dark Triad traits. These traits likely have a significant impact on your relational and social life.

What your full report includes

Beyond the 5 questions, the detailed PDF report includes:

• Introduction : This report presents the results of your Dark Triad test, which measures three personality traits present to varying degrees in everyone.
• Global Score : Your overall score reflects the combined intensity of the three Dark Triad traits in your personality.
• Dimension Analysis : Discover your profile for each of the three traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and subclinical psychopathy.
• Recommendations : Here are avenues for reflection and improvement based on your profile.
• Resources : To learn more, consult the work of Paulhus and Williams on the Dark Triad, and Simon Baron-Cohen on empathy.

The full personalised report (your precise score, your profile per dimension, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

• You recognise yourself in dark triad, dark personality, narcissism and want to see more clearly.
• You want a structured reading rather than a vague impression.
• You are looking for an objective starting point before talking to a professional if needed.

Take the Psy Test → — 63 questions, anonymous, PDF report.

Related articles

• Dark Triad Test: What It Measures and How to Read Your Score

FAQ

How long does the test take? 63 questions, about 10 min. The first 5 are free. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and gives you reference points; only a professional can make a diagnosis. Are my answers confidential? Yes: the test is 100% anonymous and the report is delivered directly to you.

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👉 Start the Dark Triad Personality Test → — 63 questions, instant result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.