The Short
Dark Triad Questionnaire
Dark Triad
Questionnaire
COMPLETE
REPORT
for The Short Dark Triad Questionnaire
-
General Descriptions
-
Save with Email
-
Detailed Descriptions
-
Book Recommendations
-
Positive Evolution Recommendations
-
1 AI Personalized Artwork Token
-
Save in Dashboard
-
Results Pop-ups
approved
Self-discovery is just the beginning. With our AI-enhanced Positive Evolution Recommendations, every test goes beyond assessment—offering personalized, data-driven strategies to apply your results in real-life growth, resilience, and success.
Take the next step in your evolution—discover your personalized roadmap today!
This free Dark Triad test gives you accurate scores for the 3 different pathological personality traits. See exactly how you score for Narcissism, Machiavellianism and Psychopathy with this scientific psychological assessment and read all there is to know about each of them.
1478 Tests Taken
Keep in mind that your data is safe and private with us, and we don’t spam – we don’t send other emails except to keep you informed about our latest tests and other content.
Understanding the Dark Triad Personality Traits
The Dark Triad is a concept in psychology that comprises three malevolent personality traits: Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy. These traits are characterized by manipulative tendencies, a lack of empathy, and a focus on self-interest. The Short Dark Triad Questionnaire (SD3) is a widely used assessment tool designed to measure these dark traits in individuals.
In this page, we will delve into the nature of the Dark Triad, explore the components of the SD3, and discuss its relevance in understanding malevolent personality traits.
The dark triad comprises three personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. They all have a malevolent connection: if you have traits of one, you’re likely to share traits with the others. Narcissists have no empathy whatsoever in addition to thinking they are more special than everyone else. Machiavellianism is all about manipulation and the exploitation of others, displaying a total lack of morality as the individual focuses on their own self-interest, and psychopaths are completely remorseless as they pursue their antisocial behaviour.
Lucy Dawson, White Lies Tweet

Machiavellianism
Machiavellian individuals are characterized by their manipulative, cunning, and strategic approach to achieving their goals. They are willing to use deceit and manipulation to advance their own interests, often at the expense of others.
Key aspects of Machivellianism:
- Manipulativeness
- Callous affect
- Strategic-calculating orientation


Psychopathy
Psychopathic individuals exhibit a lack of empathy, remorse, and moral conscience. They are prone to impulsive and antisocial behavior, often engaging in deceit, manipulation, and even violence without feeling guilt or remorse.
Key aspects of Psychopathy:
Deficits in affect (i.e., callousness)
Deficits in self-control (i.e., impulsivity)
About the Short Dark Triad Questionnaire (SD3)
The SD3 is a concise self-report questionnaire designed to measure the Dark Triad traits in individuals. It consists of 27 items, with each trait represented by nine items. Respondents rate the extent to which they agree or disagree with each statement, typically on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).
Personality Traits Measured By the SD3

The Complex Landscape of Narcissism: Understanding the Personality Trait
Narcissism, a term derived from Greek mythology, refers to a personality trait characterized by excessive self-love, a grandiose sense of self-importance, and a profound need for admiration and validation. While narcissism is often associated with negative connotations, it exists on a spectrum, with both adaptive and maladaptive aspects. This article explores the multifaceted nature of narcissism, its subtypes, psychological mechanisms, and its impact on individuals and society.

Unmasking Machiavellianism: The Complex Personality Trait
Machiavellianism, a personality trait named after the Renaissance diplomat and philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, has long intrigued psychologists, philosophers, and scholars. Characterized by manipulativeness, cunning, and a strategic approach to interpersonal interactions, Machiavellianism is one of the dark triad traits, alongside narcissism and psychopathy. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the multifaceted nature of Machiavellianism, its subdimensions, psychological mechanisms, and its impact on individuals and society.

Unmasking Psychopathy: The Dark Personality Trait
Psychopathy, a term coined in the early 19th century, has captured the imagination of researchers, clinicians, and the general public for centuries. Often associated with crime, manipulation, and a lack of empathy, psychopathy is a complex personality trait that has been the subject of extensive study and debate. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the multifaceted nature of psychopathy, its characteristics, subdimensions, etiology, and its impact on individuals and society.
Relevance and Applications of the SD3
The SD3 has garnered attention in various fields for its utility in understanding malevolent personality traits and their implications:
Feedback and Reviews

Books about the Dark Triad Personality Traits
If you are interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of the dark triad and its dimensions, here we offer you a selection of the most relevant and valuable books that explore the subject and can aid you in your endeavour:
Reflect your thoughts
Click on the icon to see all your thoughts in the Dashboard.
It’s highly recommended that you jot down any ideas or reflections that come to mind regarding The Short Dark Triad Questionnaire, including related behaviours, emotions, situations, or other associations you may make. This way, you can refer back to them on your Dashboard or Reflect pop-ups, compare them with your current behaviours, and make any necessary adjustments to keep evolving. Learn more about this feature and how it can benefit you.
References
Jonason, P. K., & Webster, G. D. (2010). The dirty dozen: A concise measure of the Dark Triad. Psychological Assessment, 22(2), 420-432.
Paulhus, D. L., & Williams, K. M. (2002). The Dark Triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Journal of Research in Personality, 36(6), 556-563.
Muris, P., Merckelbach, H., Otgaar, H., & Meijer, E. (2017). The malevolent side of human nature: A meta-analysis and critical review of the literature on the Dark Triad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy). Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(2), 183-204.
Jones, D. N., & Paulhus, D. L. (2014). Introducing the Short Dark Triad (SD3): A brief measure of dark personality traits. Assessment, 21(1), 28-41.
Jonason, P. K., & Webster, G. D. (2012). A protean approach to social influence: Dark Triad personalities and social influence tactics. Personality and Individual Differences, 52(4), 521-526.