The Deenz Psychopathy Spectrum Scale (DPSC-V4) is designed to measure psychopathy traits, behaviors, and tendencies. Version 4 of the scale has shown very good accuracy in measuring the levels of exhibited traits and behaviors associated with psychopathy. The scale consists of 24 statements, and you have to indicate how much you agree or disagree with each of the statements.
DPSC-V4© is the property of Drdeenz.com and was developed by Deen Mohd. Version 4 of this psychometric instrument has shown very high reliability and validity, but it cannot be used as a means to make a self-diagnosis of any personality disorder.
Psychopathy traits explained:
Lack of empathy
If you have difficulty understanding others’ feelings, emotions, and experiences then you may be referred to as a lack of empathetic person. If you score highly in this trait and low in other traits, it does not mean you are a psychopath because lack of empathy is a common trait associated with other personality disorders.
Impulsive behavior
If you are acting without thinking about or considering the consequences of your actions, you may be referred to as an “impulsive person.” Impulsiveness is the common trait associated with psychopathy, but if you scored high on this trait and low on other traits, then you may have other personality disorders or mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Manipulative behavior
If you are using your tactics to control or influence others in a cunning or deceptive way, you will be referred to as a manipulative person. If you scored high on this scale and low on other traits, it may be a sign of other personality disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, or other mental health conditions.
Superficial charm
If you do not have genuine intentions to appear charming, confident, and likable on the surface and you often use this for personal gain and manipulation, then you will be referred to as a “superficial charm person.” If you scored high in this trait but low on other traits, then you might have other conditions such as narcissistic personality disorder.
Aggressive behavior
If you always engage in dangerous or violent behavior because it makes you feel better, then you will be referred to as an aggressive person, but most of the time aggression is considered a hallmark trait of psychopathy. Not every person exhibiting aggressive behavior has symptoms of psychopathy, so if you scored high on this dimension, it does not necessarily mean you are a psychopath; you may have anger issues.
Sense of self-worth
Feeling superior to others may be good, but if you find yourself criticizing and belittling others and perceiving them as inferior, it may be indicative of a psychopathic trait. You may be referred to as an “egoistic” person, but if you scored high on this trait and low on others, then you may have other personality disorders. Feeling a high level of self-worth does not mean you may have any mental health disorders; it may be a normal part of healthy self-esteem and confidence.
The purpose of a psychopathy spectrum test
Sometimes you may be thinking about whether you have psychopathic traits, and if they are interfering with your social and personal life, then the psychopathic spectrum test can help assess the presence and severity of psychopathic traits.
There are several common psychopathic traits, and this test tries to figure out the level and probability of some common traits such as manipulative behavior, impaired empathy, antisocial behaviors, etc.
Is this psychopath self-assessement accurate?
The validity of this psychopath test has been established in limited settings and it has shown high reliability among individuals who truthfully respond to the statements. This test works by scoring your responses and presenting you with accurate results. However, self-assessment tests are not considered accurate but may help determine the symptoms which may be affecting the individual’s personal, social, and professional life.
Is psychopathy an official diagnosis?
To be honest “psychopath” is not mentioned or recognized in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a booklet published by the American Psychiatric Association for the diagnosis of mental health conditions. The concept of psychopath and sociopathy is associated with the traits and behaviors of antisocial personality disorder. So we can say that the DSM-5 classifies individuals with traits and behaviors under the umbrella term “antisocial personality disorder”.
