Psychopathy Test (TriPM)

The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) was developed by psychologist Christopher J. Patrick to reconcile different historical views of psychopathic personality traits. In scientific research, psychopathy is rarely viewed as an all-or-nothing diagnosis or a simple synonym for criminal behavior. Instead, modern psychological science conceptualizes it as a dimensional constellation of three distinct personality traits: boldness, meanness, and disinhibition. By examining these traits separately, the TriPM allows researchers and individuals to understand how varying levels of fearlessness, social detachment, and self-control combine into a unique personality profile.

The first dimension, Boldness, reflects emotional resilience, social dominance, and fearlessness. Individuals who score high in boldness tend to remain calm in high-pressure situations, recover quickly from stress, and feel comfortable taking charge in social settings. They often enjoy adventure, tolerate physical and social risks, and project self-confidence. While boldness is a core component of the triarchic model, it is not inherently harmful on its own; in everyday life, moderate to high boldness often associates with leadership ability, persuasiveness, and emotional stability under challenging conditions.

The second dimension, Meanness, captures emotional coldness, callousness, and an exploitative orientation toward others. People with elevated meanness scores tend to lack empathy, prioritize self-interest without regard for social bonds, and feel little remorse when their actions affect others negatively. This facet reflects a cynical view of interpersonal relationships, where competition and personal advantage override loyalty, affection, or cooperation. In social settings, high meanness can manifest as defiance, antagonism, sarcasm, or an active willingness to manipulate or demean other people.

The third dimension, Disinhibition, measures difficulties with self-regulation, impulse control, and long-term planning. Individuals with high disinhibition scores are often driven by immediate needs and immediate gratification, frequently acting before considering potential consequences. This facet is characterized by impatience, irresponsibility, vulnerability to frustration, and difficulty managing anger. In daily life, elevated disinhibition can lead to volatile interpersonal conflicts, academic or occupational instability, and chronic struggles with maintaining commitments and resisting destructive impulses.

The TriPM combines these three components to produce a Total Psychopathy score, offering an integrated overview of your overall profile. Research indicates that individuals rarely score uniformly across all three dimensions. For example, some individuals display high boldness paired with low meanness and low disinhibition, reflecting confident resilience without harmful interpersonal tendencies. Others may show elevated disinhibition and meanness alongside low boldness. Analyzing the three facets individually offers far greater psychological insight than looking at an overall summary score alone.

Please note that the population comparison markers displayed on your chart are estimates derived from published research samples and should not be interpreted as validated percentiles or standardized clinical norms. This online test is based on the TriPM framework but is an independent educational adaptation that is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the original test authors or psytests.org.

This assessment is provided strictly for educational, informational, and personal self-reflection purposes. It is not a psychological evaluation, psychiatric assessment, or diagnostic instrument, nor does it screen for antisocial personality disorder, dangerousness, or criminal tendencies. Personality traits exist on broad continuums and are shaped by context, self-awareness, and personal growth. If you are seeking mental health support or a formal clinical evaluation, please consult a licensed mental health professional.

References

• C. J. Patrick. Operationalizing the Triarchic Conceptualization of Psychopathy: Preliminary Description of Brief Scales for Assessment of Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition // unpublished manual, 2010 (rev. 2018).