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

The Dark Triad is a concept in psychology grouping three socially aversive personality traits that are nonetheless present to varying degrees in everyone: narcissism (grandiosity and need for admiration), Machiavellianism (strategic manipulation and cynicism) and subclinical psychopathy (emotional callousness and impulsivity). This test lets you 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.

What the test measures

• Tendency towards grandiosity, need for admiration and a sense of superiority.
• Tendency towards strategic manipulation, cynicism and prioritising personal interests.
• Tendency towards emotional callousness, impulsivity and a lack of empathy.

Take the test: Dark Triad Test → — To pinpoint exactly where you stand on these three dimensions (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy), take the full self-assessment.

How to interpret your score

The result reads as an intensity, not as a diagnosis:

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

What your full report contains

The detailed PDF report (from EUR 4.99) includes:

• Introduction: This report presents the results of your Dark Triad test, which measures three personality traits present to varying degrees in everyone.
• Overall Score: Your overall score reflects the combined intensity of the three Dark Triad traits in your personality.
• Dimension-by-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 go further, read the work of Paulhus and Williams on the Dark Triad, and of Simon Baron-Cohen on empathy.

The first 5 questions are free; the full, personalised report (your precise score, your dimension-by-dimension profile, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

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

Take the test: Dark Triad Test → — 60 questions, anonymous, PDF report (EUR 4.99). 🔗 Analyse your conversations with ScanMyLove — an objective, structured look at the communication patterns in your relationship.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 60 questions, about 15 min. The test has 60 questions. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and offers 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 test → — 60 questions, immediate result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.