Short Dark Triad Personality Test (SD3-41)

The Short Dark Triad Personality Test (SD3-41) is the interactive version of the Short Dark Triad (SD3) 41-items personality assessment developed by Jones and Paulhus to measure three distinct but related personality traits known as the Dark Triad: Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy.

(SD3) is widely used self-assessment to measure the dark side of personality based on three interrelated and socially unacceptable traits psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism. The scale helps you understand how these dark personality traits may influence your decision-making, relationships and ambitions. Modern psychology believes that most people possess at least some degree of these traits.

Machiavellianism: Machiavellianism is a famous word in psychology named after a 16th-century political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, famous for his book “the prince”. The main message in the book is that leaders can use Manipulate, Deceit, and explicit behavior to strive for power and position and it is the necessity to maintain the power and accomplish that goals.

Narcissism: Narcissism is a personal trait in which an individual has an extreme sense of self-importance and a constant urge for administration resulting in ignoring the needs of others and a lack of empathy. The good example may be a person who feels uncomfortable in the situations where he/she is not the center of attention and who is always talking about the prestige or status. Take the narcissistic personality disorder test.

Psychopathy: Psychopathy is described as having a lack of remorse, being callous and cynical. Psychopathy exists on a spectrum and not everyone with psychopathic traits meets the diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder. You may also like to take the psychopathy spectrum scale.

Although the three dimensions share certain interpersonal characteristics, research consistently demonstrates that Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy are distinct personality constructs with different emotional, motivational, and behavioral patterns.

The assessment consists of 41 statements and typically takes 4–7 minutes to complete. Participants respond to statements describing beliefs, attitudes, interpersonal behaviors, emotional tendencies, and personality characteristics associated with Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy.

This assessment is intended for adults and older adolescents interested in understanding personality characteristics associated with manipulation, strategic thinking, self-enhancement, entitlement, impulsivity, emotional detachment, and interpersonal behavior. Participation in this online assessment is completely anonymous. No personally identifying information is collected or stored.

The assessment contains 41 items rated on a five-point agreement scale ranging from Strongly Disagree (0) to Strongly Agree (4).

The scale includes both forward-scored and reverse-scored items. Reverse-scored items are automatically adjusted before calculating results.

Item responses are calculated to produce a raw total score ranging from 0 to 164, with higher scores indicating stronger expressions of Dark Triad personality characteristics.

Dimension and overall results are classified into five interpretive ranges:

• Reserved (0–20)
• Balanced (21–40)
• Developed (41–60)
• Strong (61–80)
• Exceptional (81–100)

Higher scores reflect greater tendencies toward strategic manipulation, self-enhancement, entitlement, emotional detachment, impulsivity, and exploitative interpersonal behavior.

It’s not wise to tell your secrets.

Most people who get ahead in the world lead clean moral lives.

Generally speaking, people won’t work hard unless they have to.

There’s a sucker born every minute.

Most people are basically good and kind.

It’s better to be totally honest than to be successful.

Whatever it takes, you must get the important people on your side.

Avoid direct conflict with others because they may be useful in the future.

It’s wise to keep track of information that you can use against people later.

There are things you should hide from other people to preserve your reputation.

You should wait for the right time to get back at people.

Make sure your plans benefit you, not others.

Most people deserve respect.

People see me as a natural leader.

I hate being the center of attention.

I am an average person.

I get bored hanging around with ordinary people.

Many group activities tend to be dull without me.

I know that I am special because everyone keeps telling me so.

People often think my stories are boring.

Those with talent and good looks should not hide them.

I like to get acquainted with important people.

I feel embarrassed if someone compliments me.

I insist on getting the respect that I deserve.

I have been compared to famous people.

I am likely to show off if I get the chance.

I like to get revenge on authorities.

I avoid dangerous situations.

I am a thrill seeker.

Payback needs to be quick and nasty.

People often say I’m out of control.

My family is proud of everything I do.

You have to grab things while the opportunity is there.

It’s true that I can be nasty.

I get angry if someone turns down having sex with me.

I hate movies where they show blood and guts.

People who mess with me always regret it.

I have never gotten into trouble with the law.

I’ll say anything to get what I want.

I’m always feeling guilty.

I like to pick on losers.