Sociopath Test

Sociopath test is a digitally adopted version of DMAPS-24, which is a reliable measure of assessing subclinical traits associated with antisocial personality. ^[1] The scale has been developed with the influence of Deenz Dark Triad Personality Scale. Sociopath self-screening test measures key dimensions of socipathy on spectrum and provide valuable insights by presenting visual charts and provides detailed report on each fact. This online version which is provided in quiz format, is not associated with the original research or study. The results of this quiz are intended for educational purposes only. Participation in this self-assessment is completely anonymous, NO personal information is collected or stored.

The term sociopath is used in everyday language to describe a person who exhibits harmful behaviors towards others. Over the years, understanding personality disorders has evolved. In the third edition of DSM polished in 1980, the term sociopath was replaced with antisocial personality disorder. The shift in terminology leads researchers and psychologists to understand the complexities and traits associated with Antisocial Personality. ^[2]

People with sociopathic traits may be aware of their own attitudes or behaviors which might leads them to the impairment of social and psychological wellbeing still, their perception of these traits may differ from societal norms. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on early recognition of subclinical traits of ASPD to understand and identify tendencies toward antisocial personality. ^[3] Subclinical traits are patterns of antisocial behaviors or tendencies that fall below the threshold for formal or clinical diagnosis. Identifying subclinical traits associated with antisocial personality aids in a more comprehensive understanding of the spectrum of behaviors.

Antisocial Personality Facets

Apathy: Apathy refers to a lack of concern, motivation, or decreased emotional response. Also a major trait of psychopathy. People with apathy show little or no concern for the emotions of others. In the subclinical perspective, the term apathy is used interchangeably with lack of empathy. Apathy and lack of empathy are related concepts but they refer to different emotional experiences or expressions. Lack of empathy is the inability or difficulty to understand the feelings of others and apathy is the state of feeling a lack of interest in things that evoke emotional responses.

Deceitfulness: We use the term deceitfulness in everyday language to describe a person who is dishonest or deceptive. It is normal to be deceitful on occasions when we have to avoid conflicts or protect ourselves. People who engage in deceitful behaviors are intentionally misleading the stations to achieve specific goals such as telling lies or manipulating others for personal gain.

Impulsivity: Impulsivity refers to sudden or quick actions without thinking of consequences. People with impulsive behaviors tend to make decisions quickly without considering risks, or outcomes. ^[4] The best example might be a person who speaks the words without thinking of the outcomes or spending money without considering the impact.

Irresponsibility: Irresponsibility refers to the lack of interest in fulfilling one’s duties. People with antisocial personalities or sociopathy tend to be irresponsible, especially in social situations and interpersonal relationships. They exhibit behaviors that disregard the consequences of their actions on others.

Callousness: Callousness refers to the disregard for the emotions, needs, or well-being of others. Also a major trait of narcissistic personality disorder. People with callousness act in a way that seems cold or lack of warmth. They show little or no concern for the well-being of others.

Aggressiveness: Aggressiveness refers to behaviors that involve forceful or strong reactions to situations. People with aggressive behavior tend to be ready to confront or attack, whether they express their opinions or assert themselves, they need to be aggressive.

Glibness: Glibness refers to the quality of being talkative or charming in social situations. People sometimes use these abilities for their personal gain and disregard the emotions or rights of others. Some people are deceptive but they do not get caught because of their abilities such as super facial charm or being fluent in speaking with others to manipulate or mislead others.

Obtuseness: Obtuseness refers to being insensitive, slow to understand, or failing to learn from past experiences. People with sociopathy tend to fail to learn from past mistakes and they may be unwilling to look back and repeat the same mistakes. ^[5]

Development of Deenz Antisocial Personality Scale

In the recent years our understanding personality has evolved and this lead to the need to develop compressive self-assessments which may be use to identify patterns of behaviors and tendencies towards traits which impacts individuals overall wellbeing.

Early identification of traits can help in understanding and addressing issues which may lead to the impairment of daily functioning. The development of Deenz Antisocial Personality Scale was influenced by recognizing the need to identifying subclinical traits associated with antisocial personality in general population. The development of the scale started with lecture reviews and compressive review of existing psychometric scales such as Psychopathy Checklist-Revised ^[6] and Antisocial Process Screening Device. After reviewing existing lectures and self-assessments, the need to address outdated information was recognized.

The primary aim for the development of the scale was to measure tendencies and identify college students who may show inclination towards traits associated with sociopathy. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.87), and strong validity in identifying traits associated with sociapthy. For more infomration please read full research article