Do you have criminal tendencies? A two-minute test reveals those most likely to commit crimes

Have you ever wondered if you are capable of committing a crime? Now you can find out, with a new, science-based quiz that only takes a few minutes.

The online tool, created by experts at health website PsychCentral, shows whether you have so-called ‘dark triad’ personality traits linked to criminal behavior.

Psychologists use the term ‘dark triad’ to identify someone with three personality types; psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism – which are strongly linked to malicious and antisocial behavior.

People with these traits are thought to be more likely to be manipulative and exhibit emotional coldness.

Research shows that personality types in this category can influence crime and help explain why some individuals are more likely to reoffend.

One 2024, study published in Current Psychology asked 471 prisoners in Serbia over the age of 40 to complete a psychological questionnaire. Details were recorded of each prisoner’s criminal history and whether they had committed repeat offences.

The results showed that Machiavellianism was the most important predictor of criminal behavior among the dark traits. Those with the personality trait were more likely to commit repeat offenses.

Quiz takers are asked 15 questions and given the choice of never, sometimes or often to answer before giving a score

It asks whether you tend to manipulate others to get your own way, whether you are cynical, need to be the center of attention, and whether you are referred to as “calculating”

The PsychCentral quiz, which is accessible hereand takes only a few minutes to complete, tests for dark triad personality type traits.

The quiz is an adaptation of the 2010 study by psychologists Webster and Jonason who wrote the ‘dirty dozen‘ test to determine whether the ‘dark triad’ was present in their patients.

Quiz takers receive 15 statements that are important personality traits. They are asked to indicate how often these statements apply to them, and are given the choice of never, sometimes or often to answer.

Statements include: “I tend to manipulate others to get my way,” “I tend to be cynical,” and “I have sometimes been referred to as ‘calculating.'”

A score is then calculated between zero and 15, with zero being someone who shows no signs of the Dark Triad personality type traits and 15 being someone who probably does.

The health website warns that “those who exhibit some of these traits, such as narcissism, may initially be seen as charming and very talented.”

The creators of the quiz also urge those who notice these traits in themselves to seek advice from a mental health professional.

While the information in this quiz can help people figure out if they have Dark Triad traits, the quiz is not intended to provide an official medical diagnosis.