Do You Have Any of the Dark Triad Personality Traits? Take This Quiz to Find Out

If you’ve heard of the dark triad personality traits, you’re probably intrigued by what they involve and whether you have any of them.

The dark triad personality is a combination of personality traits that includes narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, says Jenna Nielsen, MSW, LCSW, a therapist at ADHDAdvisor.

Curious if any of these might apply to you?

The Dark Triad Personality Quiz

Take this quiz to explore whether you’ve got hints of the dark triad in you. Reflect on the questions and answer them as truthfully as possible.

The Dark Triad Personality Traits

We tapped the experts to help us understand the dark triad personality traits. Here’s what they involve, according to Judy Ho Gavazza, PhD, ABPP, ABPdN, a neuropsychologist:

• Narcissism: Narcissism is characterized by excessive self-love, a grandiose sense of self-importance, entitlement, and a need for admiration. People with narcissistic traits often lack empathy and exploit others for their own gain. They think their needs are more important than others’.
• Machiavellianism: This trait is named for Niccolò Machiavelli, the Italian Renaissance philosopher. People high in Machiavellianism are strategic and will deceive or manipulate others to achieve their own goals, often with little regard for morality.
• Psychopathy: Psychopathy involves callousness, a lack of empathy, impulsivity, and antisocial behaviors. People with this trait may engage in reckless or harmful behaviors without feeling guilt or remorse.

These traits can occur individually, but when they occur together in a constellation, they are referred to as the dark triad, Dr. Gavazza explains.

Who Is This Quiz For?

This quiz is for anyone who is curious about their personality and whether they might possess any of the dark triad traits. It’s designed for people who are interested in self-reflection and want to better understand their own motivations and behaviors.

It's a light and non-judgmental way to learn more about yourself and the people around you. While it’s not a formal psychological assessment, it’s based on research studies that outline dark triad personality traits and their implications. It can provide helpful insights if you’re wondering whether you or someone close to you exhibits some of these traits.

What to Do If You Might Have Dark Triad Traits

If you think you have dark triad traits, it’s important not to panic. These traits exist on a spectrum, and many people exhibit them in mild forms. Here are some steps to take if you recognize these traits in yourself:

• Educate yourself: Learn more about the dark triad and what it entails. Understanding these traits can help you recognize patterns in your own behavior.
• Reflect on your behavior: Reflect on whether you display any of these traits and how they might affect your daily life, relationships, and decisions. Are there specific situations or relationships where you notice these traits emerging?
• Seek professional guidance: If you believe you have these types of personality traits you should seek professional help to get an assessment, says Nielsen. There are therapists who specialize in working with these personality traits and they can teach you tools to activate more empathetic and prosocial behaviors, Dr. Gavazza adds.
• Work on being honest: People with dark triad traits often lie for no apparent reason and they sometimes delight in getting away with this, says Dr. Gavazza. She recommends trying to be honest and open in relationships without resorting to manipulation or deceit. “Try telling the absolute truth—challenge yourself to not do these behaviors out of habit.”
• Channel ambition positively: If you identify with traits like competitiveness or a need for admiration, channel these into productive goals. Set personal and professional targets that involve teamwork and mutual success rather than purely self-driven achievements.
• Cultivate compassion: Cultivate empathy and compassion for others. Try putting yourself in their shoes and asking yourself how it would feel. This can help you develop a greater understanding of their perspectives and emotions.
• Learn to regulate your emotions: People with dark triad traits often struggle with impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, says Dr. Gavazza. She recommends practicing techniques such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and grounding to regulate your own emotions in healthier ways.
• Practice humility: Practice humility by acknowledging your mistakes, valuing others’ perspectives, and remembering that you are a human being with both strengths and weaknesses.