Dark Triad Test: Uncover Your Hidden Personality Patterns
Personality
Take the Dark Triad Test to measure Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy.Understand your hidden personality patterns with this free 27-question assessment.
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to navigate social situations like a chess game, while others are driven by an intense need for admiration or a thirst for risk? Or perhaps you’ve questioned your own reactions in high-pressure moments—wondering if your strategic thinking is "too cold" or your ambition is "too intense." We often label these traits as simply "ambitious" or "daring," but psychology offers a more precise framework for understanding the darker, more complex drivers of human behavior.
The Dark Triad Test is designed to hold up a mirror to these hidden aspects of your personality. It explores the three specific traits that, while socially challenging, often underpin high achievement, leadership, and survival instincts. This is not a judgment of your character; it is a tool for self-awareness. By understanding where you stand on these dimensions, you can stop reacting on autopilot and start managing your natural tendencies with intention and clarity.
Understanding your "dark" traits is not about finding something wrong with you—it’s about understanding your "operating system." High scores in these areas are often found in successful leaders, negotiators, and risk-takers, but without awareness, they can lead to isolation or burnout.
The "Dark Triad" is a well-established concept in psychology that groups together three distinct but related personality traits. While they are often discussed in clinical settings, this test focuses on the sub-clinical level—meaning these are traits that exist in the general population, not necessarily as disorders.
You might be asking yourself:
This assessment is based on the Short Dark Triad (SD3) framework developed by researchers Jones and Paulhus (2014). Unlike older measures that required hundreds of questions or treated these traits as purely pathological, the SD3 was created to efficiently measure these traits in everyday people, acknowledging that they exist on a spectrum.
The test consists of 27 carefully selected items (9 per dimension). It typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes to complete.
Tip: Honesty is critical here. Because these items ask about socially "taboo" thoughts (like manipulation or arrogance), you may feel a temptation to answer in a "nice" way. Please resist that urge. Your results are private, and the only way to get true insight is to answer based on your actual instincts, not your ideal self.
This test is especially helpful if you:
Please consider seeking professional help instead if:
We don't just give you a number; we provide a narrative that explains how you navigate the world. Your report will identify your Dominant Pattern and provide specific advice on strengths and pitfalls.
Potential Result Types include:
Machiavellianism Dominant (The Strategist):
You likely view life as a game of chess. You are cool-headed, pragmatic, and skilled at negotiation, but you may struggle with trust and authentic vulnerability.
Narcissism Dominant (The Status-Seeker):
You have a strong "main character" energy. You are ambitious, confident, and likely a natural leader, but you may risk steamrolling others' needs in your pursuit of recognition.
Psychopathy Dominant (The Impulsive Risk-Taker):
You are driven by a need for stimulation and autonomy. You are fearless and resilient, but your impulsivity and detachment can lead to burnt bridges and instability.
Low/Average Dark Traits (The Balanced Profile):
You likely prioritize cooperation and empathy over competition. While you may lack the "ruthless" edge of high scorers, you excel at building deep, sustainable trust with others.
Also included in your report:
A high score in Machiavellianism does not make you a "villain." It simply means you prioritize logic and strategy over sentiment. Your result is a snapshot of your current tendencies, not a life sentence.
Whether you want to tone down your impulsivity or channel your narcissism into servant leadership, we provide:
Important Notice: This test is provided for educational and self-exploration purposes only. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool and cannot diagnose personality disorders such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) or Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). The results are based on your self-reported responses and should not be considered a substitute for professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing significant distress, relationship volatility, or concerns about your mental health, please consult a licensed mental health professional.
You view the world as a complex chess game where strategy, calculation, and detachment are necessary to stay ahead.
You carry a strong sense of self-belief and a drive for recognition, viewing yourself as the protagonist in the movie of life.
You are driven by a need for stimulation and autonomy, often moving through life with a high degree of detachment and impulsivity.