Quiz: Are You A Psychopath? A Quick Self-Check Tool!

Today's Saturday • 9 mins read

Psychopaths are terrifyingly charming. Are you one?

Self-Check Quiz: Do You Have Psychopathic Tendencies?

Important Disclaimer: This is not a diagnostic test of psychopathy. It is simply a self-assessment tool to check some psychopathic tendencies or traits. If your score seems concerning, consult a mental health professional.

There is no right or wrong answer, so pick the best choice for each question.

Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP)

This is a self-report assessment to evaluate psychopathic traits based on the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale. Answer each statement based on how much you agree or disagree.

1 – definitely disagree

2 – disagree rather than agree

3 – agree rather than disagree

4 – definitely agree

1. Success is based on survival of the fittest; I am not concerned about the losers.

2. I find myself in the same kinds of trouble, time after time.

3. For me, what’s right is whatever I can get away with.

4. I am often bored.

5. In today’s world, I feel justified in doing anything I can get away with to succeed.

6. I find that I am able to pursue one goal for a long time.

7. My main purpose in life is getting as many goodies as I can.

8. I don’t plan anything very far in advance.

9. Making a lot of money is my most important goal.

10. I quickly lose interest in tasks I start.

11. I let others worry about higher values; my main concern is with the bottom line.

12. Most of my problems are due to the fact that other people just don’t understand me.

13. People who are stupid enough to get ripped off usually deserve it.

14. Before I do anything, I carefully consider the possible consequences.

15. Looking out for myself is my top priority.

16. I have been in a lot of shouting matches with other people.

17. I tell other people what they want to hear so that they will do what I want them to do.

18. When I get frustrated, I often “let off steam” by blowing my top.

19. I would be upset if my success came at someone else’s expense.

20. Love is overrated.

21. I often admire a really clever scam.

22. I make a point of trying not to hurt others in pursuit of my goals.

23. I enjoy manipulating other people’s feelings.

24. I feel bad if my words or actions cause someone else to feel emotional pain.

25. Even if I were trying very hard to sell something, I wouldn’t lie about it.

26. Cheating is not justified because it is unfair to others.

Results:

Primary Factor Score:

Secondary Factor Score:

Total Score:

About the LSRP: The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) is a 26-item self-report questionnaire used to assess psychopathic traits in a non-forensic setting. It is divided into two factors:

Primary Psychopathy: Reflects an individual’s lack of empathy, manipulation, and callousness.
Secondary Psychopathy: Reflects impulsive, unstable, and antisocial behaviors, often associated with a lack of anxiety and emotional regulation.

Disclaimer: This self-assessment is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Only a qualified mental health professional can provide a clinical diagnosis.

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

Signs of Psychopathy To Look For in Yourself

Psychopathy refers to a sense of high impulsivity, low remorse, and thrill-seeking. – Paulhus & Williams, 2002

You could check a few signs in yourself if you think you may have some psychopathic traits:

You have a superficial charm. When with other people, you act friendly, nice, and polite even though you don’t internally want to. You know that people need to be charmed before you can get them to do what you want.

One key sign is a lack of empathy. You find it hard to understand or care about others’ feelings. Your responses do not reflect their emotions.

You may also be emotionally shallow, meaning you seem cold or indifferent in situations where people usually show highly emotional reactions.

You might also notice a tendency toward deceitfulness, where lying or tricking others becomes a habit to get what you want.

You might share a feature with narcissists: the sense of grandiosity. You truly believe you’re the most important and superior person in the room, and feel entitled to special treatment.

Another thing to think about is impulsivity. You make quick decisions without giving thought to the consequences, which can lead to risky behavior.

You may often struggle with irresponsibility, meaning you don’t like not keeping promises or commitments in your personal or work life.

Lastly, if you feel little to no remorse for hurting others and often justify your actions, it might indicate deeper issues.

Final Words

A professional diagnosis of psychopathy requires a face-to-face interview, with additional information on lifetime behavior. This test might help you understand more of it.

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

√ Please spread the word if you found this helpful.