Academically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Schulz, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.
Dark Empathy Test
What is your dark empathy score?
Researchers have identified that empathy, typically a virtue, can take on darker forms when wielded for selfish, manipulative, or harmful ends. This disposition, termed Dark Empathy, reflects a general tendency where empathic abilities manifest in socially maladaptive ways. All commonalities between these dark empathic traits trace back to this core.
Do you have a dark empathy streak? For each of the following items, indicate your level of agreement below.
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The IDRlabs Dark Empathy Test (IDR-DET©) is the property of IDRlabs International. It draws on research into empathy’s darker dimensions but is not associated with specific researchers or their instruments.
This test was developed with input from professional analysts experienced in personality testing, organizational psychology, and psychopathology. However, tests like these are merely indicators—a first look to get you started.
Dark Empathy Tests, whether professional, academic, or free online like this one, are tools to hint at your dark empathic traits. No test can fully capture your Dark Empathy with complete accuracy, and none can replace a deep dive into the underlying theory.
The authors of this test are certified in personality and psychological assessment. Results are provided "as-is," for free, and should not be taken as professional or certified advice. For more, see our Terms of Service.
References
- Baron-Cohen, S. (2011). The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty. Basic Books.
- Decety, J., & Jackson, P. L. (2004). "The Functional Architecture of Human Empathy." Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Reviews, 3(2).
- Figley, C. R. (1995). "Compassion Fatigue: Coping with Secondary Traumatic Stress." Psychological Trauma.
- Heym, N., et al. (2021). "The Dark Empath: Characterizing Dark Traits in the Presence of Empathy." Personality and Individual Differences, 169.
- Jonason, P. K., & Krause, L. (2013). "The Emotional Deficits Associated with the Dark Triad Traits." Personality and Individual Differences, 55(5).
- Oakley, B., et al. (2012). Pathological Altruism. Oxford University Press.
- Paulhus, D. L., & Williams, K. M. (2002). "The Dark Triad of Personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy." Journal of Research in Personality, 36(6).
- Porter, S., & Woodworth, M. (2007). "Psychopathy and Deception: Crocodile Tears and Beyond." Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 25(4).
- Smith, R. H., et al. (2009). "Schadenfreude: The Joy of Another’s Misfortune." Emotion Review, 1(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Dark Empathy Test actually measure?
It measures a general tendency for empathic abilities to appear in socially maladaptive ways, such as when used for selfish, manipulative, or harmful ends.
What does my score on the Dark Empathy Test actually show?
A result offers an initial indicator of dark empathic traits, showing the degree to which empathy may take darker forms.
How is the Dark Empathy Test different from regular empathy tests?
It examines empathy specifically in its darker, maladaptive expressions rather than as a purely positive trait.
How accurate or complete is the Dark Empathy Test?
No test can capture dark empathy with complete accuracy or substitute for deeper exploration of the underlying theory.
What is the point of taking the Dark Empathy Test?
It serves as a free starting point to hint at personal dark empathic traits for self-reflection.
Why Use This Test?
1. Free. This online Dark Empathy Test is delivered to you free of charge and will allow you to obtain your scores on the Dark Empathy construct.
2. Validity and reliability. Empirical testing has shown the validity of Dark Empathy traits, with evidence published in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating good scientific grounding.
3. Statistical controls. Test scores are logged into an anonymized database. Statistical analysis ensures maximum accuracy and validity of the results.
4. Made by professionals. The authors of this free online test are certified in personality testing and have worked professionally with psychology and psychopathology.