Have you ever wondered if you have the capacity to commit a crime? Well, now you can find out with a new science-backed quiz that only takes a few minutes to complete.
The online tool, created by experts at health website PsychCentral, reveals whether you have the so-called “dark triad” personality traits that have been linked to criminal behavior.
Psychologists use the term “dark triad” to identify someone with three personality types; psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism, which are strongly linked to malevolent and antisocial behavior.
It is believed that people with these traits are more likely to be manipulative and display emotional coldness.
Research suggests that personality types in this category can influence crime and could help explain why some people are more likely to reoffend.
One 2024, study published in Current Psychology asked 471 prisoners in Serbia over the age of 40 to complete a psychology questionnaire. Details of each prisoner’s criminal history and whether they had committed repeat offenses were recorded.
The results showed that Machiavellianism was the most important predictor of criminal behavior among dark traits. Those with the personality trait were more likely to commit repeated crimes.
An online tool, created by health website PsychCentral, reveals whether you have ‘dark triad’ personality traits that have been linked to criminal behavior
Participants are asked 15 questions and given the option to answer never, sometimes, or often before giving a score.
He asks if you tend to manipulate others to get your way, if you are cynical, if you need to be the center of attention, and if he has referred to you as “calculating.”
The PsychCentral questionnaire, which can be accessed hereand takes only a couple of minutes to complete, it is a trait test for the dark triad personality type.
The questionnaire has been adapted from 2010 research by psychologists Webster and Jonason, who created the ‘dirty dozen‘test to identify whether the ‘dark triad’ was present in their patients.
Participants are asked 15 questions and given the option to answer never, sometimes, or often before giving a score.
He asks if you tend to manipulate others to get your way, if you are cynical, if you need to be the center of attention, and if he has referred to you as “calculating.”
A score of zero to seven means you display traits that are mild and infrequent, eight to 14 means you have some traits, while those who score 15 may live with traits consistent with dark triad personality.
The health website warns that “those who exhibit some of these traits, such as narcissism, may be initially considered charming and highly competent.”
He adds that if you notice these traits in yourself, you should consider seeking an evaluation with a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.
While the information in this questionnaire can help people determine if they could benefit from support from a mental health professional, this online assessment is not intended to be a diagnostic tool. Only a licensed medical processional can give a diagnosis.
A therapist can also help you determine if your problems are a symptom of a different mental health condition and recommend a treatment plan.
