What is the Dark Core (D-Factor)?
The Dark Core is a general tendency to place your own interests above others, even when it harms them. Researchers describe it as the common core behind many aversive traits such as narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism. If D is high, these traits have more room to show up. If D is low, they are less likely to appear.
For a formal definition, see the 2018 paper in Psychological Review that introduced D as a single underlying factor for dark traits (Moshagen, Hilbig, Zettler, 2018). A later longitudinal study showed that D helps explain how different dark traits develop and change over time (Zettler et al., 2020).
How does this quiz estimate your Dark Core?
You will see short situational questions that ask what you would do or prefer. Your answers are scored and combined into a single index. The index is then mapped to a plain-language result with a short explanation and practical notes.
Important points:
- One dimension. Results focus on the general D tendency. It is not a clinical assessment and does not diagnose a disorder.
- Trait mapping. The feedback also notes where your choices align with patterns linked to traits like narcissism or psychopathy. This is a guide, not a label.
- Limits. Real behavior depends on context, values, stress, and incentives. Scores are estimates based on self-report items.
How to read your result
If your D is low
You tend to balance your needs with others’ needs. You likely avoid exploiting people and value fairness and trust. If you want to explore the other side of the spectrum, check your capacity for perspective-taking with this empath test.
If your D is moderate
You weigh the benefits and costs for both sides. You may bend rules when the payoff is high or the risk feels low. Your behavior might shift across settings such as work, school, or online spaces.
If your D is high
You tend to prioritize self-gain even when it harms others. You may justify it as efficiency or survival. Be careful with rationalizations. High D can damage relationships and trust, especially over time.
Dark Core vs. Dark Triad
The Dark Triad focuses on three traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. The Dark Core is broader. It asks what these traits have in common. If you want a trait-level screen that looks more closely at antisocial patterns, you can try the site’s sociopath test as a separate perspective.
What affects the accuracy of our quiz
- Self-presentation. People often want to look good. If you soften answers, the estimate goes down. Answer honestly.
- Mood and context. Stress, conflict, or recent events can nudge responses. If you feel off, retake on a calmer day.
- Reading clarity. If an item feels unclear, pick the closest option. The total score averages across items.
For a research-grade tool from the D-Factor team, you can review their official resource here: qst.darkfactor.org.
Ethics and care
High D does not make you a villain. It is a signal to reflect on choices that trade off other people’s welfare. If your behavior hurts you or others, consider talking to a mental-health professional in your area. This quiz is for learning, not diagnosis or treatment.
This quiz is for education. It is not a medical or psychological diagnosis. If you need help, contact a licensed professional in your region.
