Posted: 25 January 2024 | Updated: 16 February 2024
Here is a free self-assessment test to identify psychopathic thinking and behaviour.
The test takes approximately 6 to 8 minutes to complete.
Your answers will be kept confidential and will only be used for possible suggestions for treatment and support.
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This test takes its inspiration from the renowned “Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R)”. The PCL-R is a notable tool designed to identify psychopathic characteristics in a person.
The original version of the PCL, known as the PCL-R, was developed by Robert D. Hare in the early 1990s. The adapted PCL-R is a 22-item questionnaire assessing traits such as manipulativeness, lack of remorse and impulsivity. Our version, focusing on educational and entertainment aspects, remains unaffiliated with the original test's developers. Check out our disclaimers for more details.
This test, while inspired by the PCL-R, stands as its own assessment tool. It consists of 25 primary questions and additional 2 control questions. While the original PCL-R has a maximum score of 44 points, this test has a maximum score of 50 points, with higher scores indicating higher levels of psychopathic traits.
Each item is rated on a 3-point scale, where a score of 0 indicates that the trait is not present, 1 indicates that it is present to a mild degree, and 2 indicates that it is present to a moderate or severe degree.
The PCL-R is widely used in research and clinical settings to diagnose psychopathy and assess risk for violent and criminal behaviour.
Please note that this test is used for educational and research purposes only and is NOT intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The results of this test are not a substitute for professional assessment and should not be used to make any decisions about a person's mental health or well-being.
Time of completion
Number of questions
Adapted from an internationally recognised methods
Your data will be confidential
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The psychopathy test is a quiz that anyone can take. It helps you to understand if you might have traits often linked to psychopathy.
This test can show if you might have traits seen in psychopathy. But remember, it's just a guide, not a diagnosis. Only a trained mental health professional can give a diagnosis.
Every question has three possible answers. Definitely present scores 2 points, Probably present scores 1 point, and Not present scores 0 points. You add up all your points at the end. The highest possible score is 50.
Questions 26 and 27 are control questions and are not scored. A higher score suggests more traits linked to psychopathy.
The Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R) is a tool that professionals use to measure a person's psychopathic traits. Our test was inspired by it, but is not the same.
Yes, you can take the test thinking about someone else's behavior. But remember, it's just a guide and only gives a rough idea.
If your score is high (33 or more), it suggests you might have many traits linked to psychopathy. If this is worrying you or causing problems in your life, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional.
No, not always. Some traits, like being confident or not worrying much, can be helpful in life. But when many traits are present and causing problems, it's a good idea to seek help.
Hare, R. D. (1980). A research scale for the assessment of psychopathy in criminal populations. Personality and individual differences, 1(2), 111-119. Article URL
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