You may have already encountered individuals with psychopathy, or you may encounter them in the future. Psychopaths or individuals with psychopathic traits do not only live in psychiatric hospitals; they could be a neighbor, a colleague, a friend, a family member, or even yourself. According to studies and research, approximately 1% of people have psychopathic traits, making the identification and diagnosis of these individuals crucial.
To identify such individuals, it is essential to seek help from a professional. However, while waiting to see a specialist, you can use the psychopathy test. In this article, we will explain how this test works. To take this test, you need to review the following statements and score them. The scores assigned include: 0, 1, and 2. A score of 0 means the statement does not apply to the individual, a score of 1 means the statement somewhat applies to the individual, and a score of 2 means the statement fully applies to the individual. By completing this test and scoring it, you can determine whether the individual in question exhibits psychopathic traits or not.
Psychopathy Test Questions
- Do you enjoy showing off and are you a smooth talker? (In this factor, consider issues like being hypocritical and deceitful.)
- Do you consider yourself superior to others? (Having an excessive sense of self-importance that goes beyond reality.)
- Do you constantly feel exhausted and need motivation from others? (Do you need validation, goal-setting, and motivation from others?)
- Do you lie compulsively and attempt to deceive others?
- Are you manipulative and deceitful, presenting yourself as justified in front of others?
- Do you feel no remorse or regret for hurting or harming others?
- Do you have shallow emotions that lack depth on various issues? (Things that upset or disturb others do not affect you.)
- Are you cold-hearted and ruthless, and does this trait manifest outwardly? (Are you indifferent to the pain and suffering of others, including humans or animals?)
- Does your lifestyle depend on others, and do you rely on others’ help for survival?
- Do you lack self-control? (For instance, when you’re angry, you cannot remain silent, or you are not a trustworthy person.)
- Are you sexually promiscuous and disregard the social or personal boundaries of others?
- Do you have behavioral problems? (Do you often get into arguments, or do you tend to quickly make up with people after a conflict?)
- Do you lack long-term and realistic goals? (You don’t have clear objectives but have many unfounded ideas.)
- Are you overly driven by impulses and often do things without considering the consequences?
- Are you irresponsible?
- Do you lack the ability to take responsibility for your actions and fail to accept your mistakes?
- Do you have many short-term relationships? (Such as failed marriages or fleeting relationships.)
- Did you engage in delinquent or rule-breaking behavior as a teenager?
- Have you ever spent time in detention or prison for committing a crime and are unwilling to express regret for your actions?
- Do you consider yourself skilled in unconventional or deviant behavior? (For instance, a person from a lower social class might view theft as a crime, but a graduate student might view cheating on exams as a normal behavior.)
Suggested article: Introduction to types of mental disorders
Psychopathy Test Scoring
Score 0: The individual has complete mental health.
Score less than 8: The individual is normal to healthy.
Score more than 8: The individual is normal but leaning toward abnormal.
Score 15 to 22: The individual has an antisocial personality disorder.
Score 30 and above: The individual is psychotic and a psychopath.
Score 36 to 40: The individual is a dangerous psychopath and should be hospitalized.
It is important to note that it is best for a diagnosis to be made by a specialist, and psychology students should refrain from making judgments or labeling individuals. For a more thorough evaluation of the test and to utilize online psychological or in-person services, you can contact our consultants.