Dark Triad short scale

The SD3 (Short Dark Triad, Jones & Paulhus) is the standard brief measure of 'dark' personality, producing three separate scores: Machiavellianism (strategic manipulation), narcissism (grandiosity) and psychopathy (callous impulsivity). These are continuous traits everyone has to some degree.

The 'Dark Triad' comprises three independent aversive traits: Machiavellianism (strategic manipulation), narcissism (grandiosity, admiration-seeking) and psychopathy (callous impulsivity, thrill-seeking). The SD3 measures each with 9 items.

Scoring follows the published key: each trait is the mean of its 9 items (1-5), with items 11/15/17 reversed on narcissism and 20/25 reversed on psychopathy. The bars show your relative position on each.

The psychopathy scale here is subclinical — unrelated to what films portray. Higher scorers skew impulsive, thrill-seeking and lower in empathy, not dangerous.

Source: Short Dark Triad (Jones & Paulhus, 2014) · The 27 items and scoring were published in the open paper; Chinese items are our careful translation. · Original source

How much do you agree with each statement?

1. It's not wise to tell your secrets
2. I like to use clever manipulation to get my way
3. Whatever it takes, you must get the important people on your side
4. Avoid direct conflict with others because they may be useful in the future
5. It's wise to keep track of information that you can use against people later
6. You should wait for the right time to get back at people
7. There are things you should hide from other people because they don't need to know
8. Make sure your plans benefit you, not others
9. Most people can be manipulated
10. People see me as a natural leader
11. I hate being the center of attention
12. Many group activities tend to be dull without me
13. I know that I am special because everyone keeps telling me so
14. I like to get acquainted with important people
15. I feel embarrassed if someone compliments me
16. I have been compared to famous people
17. I am an average person
18. I insist on getting the respect I deserve
19. I like to get revenge on authorities
20. I avoid dangerous situations
21. Payback needs to be quick and nasty
22. People often say I'm out of control
23. It's true that I can be mean to others
24. People who mess with me always regret it
25. I have never gotten into trouble with the law
26. I enjoy having sex with people I hardly know
27. I'll say anything to get what I want