Do You Show Signs of Psychopathy: Take The Free Test

Updated: November 8, 2024

Reading time: 5 minutes

Psychopathy is a personality trait that the public perceives with fear and disdain. Most of us think that all psychopaths are violent serial killers.

However, three interesting facts on psychopathy:

  • High-functioning psychopaths can and do live normally in the society.
  • A few psychopathic traits aren’t enough to make someone a psychopath.
  • Many people have a little amount of psychopathy that they can use beneficially.

Psychopathy is marked by a strong lack of empathy, impulsivity and aggression, persistent criminal behavior, Machiavellianism, and manipulative behavior.

But you may not spot a psychopath at all. Because most psychopaths learn early to put up a front to mask their real personality from others.

Despite its complexity, psychopathy and psychopaths regularly get a lot of public attention. This test might help you understand more of it.

What’s This Psychopathy Test?

This psychopathy test has 20 questions based on questionnaires designed by experts. It can help you assess your psychopathic personality traits and tendencies.

Important Note: This test is not a way to diagnose anyone and should not be considered such. A high score does not mean you are a psychopath.

Take The Free Psychopathy Test

Test Your Psychopathic Personality Traits (Non-Diagnostic)

Answering these questions honestly may help you get some insights on your behaviors, views, and feelings. It is not meant to replace expert help or a formal diagnosis.

Take the test:

Personality Assessment

  1. I’ve always found it easy to convince people to do favors for me.
  2. When I know someone is struggling, I think of them often and hope they’re doing OK.
  3. Other people make so many stupid mistakes compared to me.
  4. I don’t see a problem with lying if it helps me get what I want.
  5. If someone told me that I hurt their feelings, I would feel badly.
  6. In truth, I find most people boring or stupid.
  7. People often blame me for things that are actually their fault.
  8. People who refuse to break rules out of principle are foolish; they’ll never get ahead.
  9. Seeing someone cry has little effect on me, other than maybe irritating me.
  10. It’s fun to antagonize people just to see how upset they get.
  11. I get uncomfortable at the thought of committing a crime.
  12. I usually know just what to say to make other people do what I want.
  13. I’ll do whatever it takes to feel a thrill.
  14. It is important to honor financial obligations.
  15. Everyone else seems emotional and whiny compared to me.
  16. Helping other people instead of focusing on myself is usually a waste of time.
  17. I don’t understand people who are anxious or fearful all the time because nothing really scares me.
  18. Some people just aren’t meant to succeed in life, and that’s not my problem.
  19. I wear my heart on my sleeve.
  20. If a rule or law would get in the way of my goals, I feel justified in breaking it.

Scoring

  • 0-5: Generally considered to be within the normal range, indicating that the individual does not exhibit significant psychopathic traits.
  • 6-12: Considered to be in the moderate range, indicating that the individual may exhibit some psychopathic traits, but they are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of psychopathy.
  • 13-19: Considered to be in the high range, indicating that the individual exhibits significant psychopathic traits and may be at risk for antisocial behavior.
  • 20-40: Considered to be in the very high range, indicating that the individual exhibits severe psychopathic traits and is likely to be diagnosed with psychopathy.

Further Reading:

Hare Psychopathy Checklist—Revised (PCL-R), Robert Hare (1991). The PCL-R can be scored in terms of two factors:

  • Factor 1: Labelled “selfish, callous and remorseless use of others.”
  • Factor 2: Labelled as “chronically unstable, antisocial and socially deviant lifestyle.”

Out of a maximum score of 40, the original PCL-R has a cutoff score of psychopathy is 30 in the United States and 25 in the United Kingdom. A cut-off score of 25 is also sometimes used for research purposes.

Self Report Psychopathy Scale

Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP)

Answer depending on how much you agree with the statements. The following answers are possible:

1 – definitely disagree
2 – disagree rather than agree
3 – agree rather than disagree
4 – definitely agree

Source: The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, Dickison & Sellbom (2023)

Final Words

The above test is not a diagnostic tool. Do not treat a high score on the test as a reason to label yourself in any negative way.

Any score you find disturbing must be considered the threshold for further evaluation of psychopathy. Reach out to a mental health professional to evaluate and guide you.

Remember, psychopathy is a complex condition that requires a professional diagnosis. This is usually done in a face-to-face interview, with additional information on lifetime behavior.

√ Also Read: 4 Types of Psychopaths: Nature And Behaviors of Each

√ Please spread the word if you found this helpful.

• Our Story!

Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn

About Author/Editor

Sandip Roy

Dr. Sandip Roy is a medical doctor and psychology writer, with a unique focus on mental well-being, positive psychology, narcissism, and Stoicism. His warm-hearted expertise has helped many mental abuse survivors find happiness again. Co-author of 'Critique of Positive Psychology and Positive Interventions'. Find him on LinkedIn.

*Our site is reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we earn a tiny percentage, at no extra cost to you. See Disclosure for details.

► Check out the Amazon Best Sellers in Audible Books & Originals

...

When it comes to mental well-being, you don't have to do it alone. Going to therapy to feel better is a positive choice. Therapists can help you work through your trauma triggers and emotional patterns.