How Does a Sociopath Test Work?
A sociopath test works based on the common traits and behaviors of a person diagnosed with ASPD. It’s mainly a multiple-choice questionary that puts you in various scenarios to reveal your reaction. Most ASPD tests are not doctor-approved, and their results are not a “diagnose.” However, a high sociopathy score on test results is an indicator to consult a psychotherapist.
How Do You Define A Sociopath?
There are three ways to define a sociopath, scientific, pop culture, and Hollywood (or fiction).
1. Scientific Way
According to DSM-5, someone who shows persistent anti-social behaviors or tends to manipulate or hurt others might be a sociopathic person. However, the medical term to define a sociopath is mainly Anti-Social Personality Disorder. As the title suggests, sociopathy is mostly about misbehavior against the community and its members. But according to the studies, most people diagnosed with ASPD are more of a threat to their family members than strangers.
2. Popular Way
According to common beliefs, a sociopath is defined as an overly aggressive person. Most Americans also believe that such a person is or will be a murderer. However, one thing to note is that many people who suffer from this disorder don’t physically hurt anyone in their life.
3. Hollywood Way
ASPD in fiction, cinema, and even music is a rather charming person with evil thoughts. It’s mainly illustrated as a charismatic male figure who’s probably of higher social class. Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) in the movie The Wolf of the Wallstreet is a good example. He’s a reckless stock trader who lies, deceives, manipulates, and hurts others with no sense of regret. While all those traits describe a sociopath, the image of ASPD in fiction is exaggerated.
DIY Sociopath Test Before You Start Dating Someone
You might not want to make your date take an online sociopath test in advance—because that’s awkward. However, it’s always important to know who you’re seeing. So, instead of forcing them to answer questions, have an eye on them. Watch their moves, and don’t dismiss the signs of dangerous behavior.
1. Are They Real?
A sociopath can be an unusual daydreamer and fantasist. So, if your date seems to be living in an unrealistic world, you might want to be more careful. Many ASDP-diagnosed patients tend to come up with hyper-realistic ideas that make them look better people. For example, a sociopath would seem more prosperous, more likable, or even more successful than they are in real life.
2. Are They Impulsive?
Being unpredictable and acting impulsively is a severe sign. Even if your date is not a total sociopath, those traits indicate an anger issue. So, if you feel like you’re always surprised by their reactions, you better keep your eyes open. Even a sociopathy test is unable primarily to assess the impulsivity of a person’s behavior. So, you must be observing.
3. Do They Think the World Is Cruel to Them and They’re Innocent?
A sociopath feels like the whole world owes a better life to them. They do not acknowledge their responsibilities and always find a way to hold others guilty. “It’s not my fault” is one of their favorite sentences when something goes wrong. Such a person thinks everyone is guilty of their current situation/status. So, heads up if your date insists on the fact that they did nothing wrong but ended up having many issues.
4. Do They Sympathize/Empathize with Others?
Psychologists and Psychiatrists believe that lack of empathy and sympathy are the main signs of sociopathy. So, tell a dramatic story about your life and watch your date’s reaction. While it might not be an accurate test, most people with ASPD would find it hard to respond appropriately. That’s because they don’t empathize with you and don’t understand your feelings. That’s also why they commit more violent crimes with no remorse.
5. How Was Their Relationship with Their Parents?
A sociopath test includes questions that dig deep into the person’s relationship with their parents—especially their mother. That’s something you can do on your date without being bothersome. Ask your date to retell some of their memories from their childhood. You can make it easier by telling your memories in advance. Sociopathic people come from ill-mannered families and/or communities. If you’re dating a male, the mother-child relationship should matter to you the most. Males with damaged bonds with their moms are more aggressive in romantic affairs.
6. Are You Seeing any Destructive Behavior Pattern?
One aggressive reaction or a couple of shouts doesn’t make a person a sociopath. However, doctors suggest that a pattern or continuous act of violence is the earliest sign of vulnerability. A common mistake some people make is to think that their partner’s anger is not going to hurt them. That’s because some sociopaths claim that they would never hurt their loved ones. But that’s not true at all. Sooner or later, the aggression will be directed to you as well.
7. Do They Own a Pet?
The way someone is treating their pet is an excellent way to analyze them. If your date or partner is cruel to animals, you shouldn’t risk it. Animal abuse is one of the first signals of a future act of violence against you and others. Even the FBI, in recent years, has tracked down animal abuse activities. There’s no reason for a person who hurts animals to avoid hurting human beings. It’s just a matter of time.
8. What Type of Movies Do They Like (And Why)?
Loving horror or slash films doesn’t indicate you’re a sociopath. However, enjoying the pain of others or fantasizing about recreating the scenes in real life is. Always make sure to know the intentions behind the interests of your partner or date. If they empathize with the villain or admire their behavior, you might be in danger.
9. What Are Their Fantasies?
Sexual fantasies are another warning. A male or female with ASPD usually fantasizes about violent or forceful sexual activities. So, it’s always a good idea to talk about such visualizations before they come true.
Am I Living with a Sociopath Test – Are You in Danger?
It’s not only your partner or boy/girlfriend who could get a high score on a sociopath test. Sometimes, it’s one of your family members, someone from your extended family, or even one of your coworkers. So, how to know if you’re living with an anti-social person?
Step #1: Do You Have These Feelings?
– used and abused
If you continuously feel used or abused, there’s a good chance that you’re living with a sociopath. It could be either of your parents, your siblings, and/or your partner. Anti-socials tend to take advantage of others through emotional or physical cruelty.
– lied to all the time
A person with ASPD doesn’t accept that they’re a liar even if you prove it. So, if you feel like you’ve been deceived or lied to, you should be more careful.
– Owing others
Making you feel like you owe others is a common sociopath trait. They keep reminding you of the things that they do for you. And they tend to neglect things you do in return. That’s a technique to impose a feeling of a need to repay them so that they can misuse you.
– guilty and needy
Anti-social people hold you responsible for your needs, even if it’s something out of your control. For example, a sociopath parent would make the child feel guilty for being hungry. Or, as an adult, they would make their partner feel guilty for wanting affection and love.
– worthless and useless
Do you think others talk you down? Do you believe that you don’t deserve anything good in your life? That’s a sign that someone is manipulating you. No one is superior to others, and everyone deserves to live a happy life. However, sociopaths want you to believe the opposite.
– Unsafe
Your house is should be your safest place. No matter whether you’re living with your parents, your partner, siblings, or your caregivers. If you think the place you live in is not safe for you, you might be living with a sociopath(s).
– Shame
Sometimes, you are not treated in a hurtful way. However, you’re ashamed of the way someone you know is treating others. People with ASPD usually don’t care about social norms. So, they’d behave in embarrassing manners. Therefore, that’s also a sign to consider—especially if it’s constant.
Step #2: Are You Exposed to These Treats?
– Anger issues
Is someone behaving aggressively with or around you? Are both or one of your parents seem to have anger issues? If yes, that may be a signal you need help—especially if you’re underaged.
– Violence
A sociopathic disorder is bonded with violence, hostility, and brutality. Seek help if someone is oppressing you or is hurting you physically/emotionally. Non-profit organizations and specific anti-abuse hotlines offer support to all the victims of any sort of abuse.
– Manipulation
If your parent(s), partner, or even coworkers and boss are forcing you to do things you shouldn’t, they’re manipulating you. You can use them and change the place you live even if you’re juvenile.
– Recklessness
A sociopath finds it hard to acknowledge responsibility. So, it’s pretty standard for them to act thoughtlessly and irresponsibly. Is your parent driving all the time carelessly? Do your parents neglect you and your needs? These are all clues that you’re living in an anti-social environment.
Best Ways to Deal with Sociopaths
Do not try to get into a physical or verbal fight with people who suffer from ASPD. It’s much easier for them to hurt you since they don’t empathize with others. Such a group of people commits the most violent crimes. So, you want to be careful around them. Here are the best ways to deal with them while avoiding any risks.
1. Hanging on to Your Self-Love and Self-Steam
If you’re living with a sociopathic person, don’t fall for their abusive words. They try to make you feel miserable and useless. However, that’s how they think of themselves—and not you. You need to hang on to your self-love and self-esteem. Keep reminding yourself that you deserve a better life and treatment. And don’t forget that they are the ones with a “problem” and not you.
2. Seeking Therapy
A therapist is a must—mostly if you’ve lived or are living with sociopathic parents. Free therapy programs are available in the United States for you to attend. Most of them offer phone calls or online sessions. So, you don’t need to leave the house or ask for your parents’ consent.
3. Asking Non-Profit Organizations’ Help
Several anti-abuse organizations, such as the Child Welfare League of America and FSW, are currently active in the US. They offer various programs and services to help children, adults, and elderly Americans eliminate domestic violence/abuse. You need to contact them and let them know about your situation.
4. Knowing Your Rights
No matter how old you are, where you live, and where you are from, no one has the right to hurt you. Acts like VAWA protect women, men, and kids from domestic violence, making it a national crime. That means you can always sue people who hurt you in physical or emotional ways. And the law will protect you.
5. Studying About Sociopathic Traits
Things like a sociopath test or studies that are freely accessible on the internet help you. According to officials, many people don’t even realize that their close ones are suffering from ASPD. So, they get along with the manipulation. However, studying such a disorder gives you more insight into what you’re going through.
The Sociopath Test Says I Have ASD – What to Do Now?
-
Don’t Freak Out (It’s Just a Test)
The results don’t mean anything specific. The only person who is qualified to diagnose you with an anti-social personality disorder is a trained psychologist. Even in the clinical environment, it takes much more than a simple test to identify such illnesses. So, don’t panic.
-
Talk to a Professional Therapist
If you get high sociopathy scores on several tests, it’s best to talk to a therapist. Again, it doesn’t mean you have ASPD. However, it could mean you’re suffering from other comparable issues. Severe depression, for example, sometimes makes people act like sociopaths. So, having a therapist is advantageous.
Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Sociopath Test
1. How Reliable is a Sociopath Test?
Such a quiz is not a scientific way of diagnosing any sort of mental disorder. They are not 100% accurate, and you shouldn’t rely on them to call someone (or even you) a sociopath.
2. Does Science Approve a Sociopath Test?
No. diagnosing someone with ASPD is a clinical procedure, and science does not approve any other form, including the sociopath test.
3. Is There any Clinical Sociopath Test?
Doctors don’t rely on quizzes or questionaries. They might be a part of the diagnosing process. However, there is no particular clinical sociopath test to use. They spot a person’s ASPD through observation and interviews.
4. What’s the Difference Between a Sociopath and a Psychopath?
According to DSM-5, there is no absolute difference between a sociopath and a psychopath. They are both considered to be Anti-Social Personality Disorders. However, some define psychopathy as more severe and dangerous compared to sociopathy.
5. Is It Legal to Make My Partner Take the Test?
No. Regardless of the age and position, you should not force anyone to take such tests—as it’s illegal. Moreover, you can’t accuse people of being sociopaths based on the results of such quizzes.
6. Can Someone Use the Results Against Me?
No. the outcome of an online sociopathy test doesn’t carry any legal value. No one can or is allowed to use them against you. The only valid results are those that are suggested by a trained doctor or specialist.
Sociopathy Vs. Psychopathy Checklist
Sociopath Traits | Psychopath Traits | Common Traits |
Less Impulsive | Impulsive | Manipulation |
More likely to commit white-collar crimes | More likely to commit violent crimes | Violence |
Less feared and distressed | Usually feared and distressed | Lack of empathy |
More manipulative | Have anger issues | Lack of sympathy |
Charming and sociable | Socially awkward | Narcissistic behavior |
Don’t have any conscience | Might have a faded
sense of conscience |
Carelessness |
Have fake relationships | Might get into real relationships | Lying and deceitfulness |
Interesting Statistics and Facts About American Sociopathy
– 1 out of every 100 Americans is a psychopath.
– 4 out of 10 Americans are sociopaths.
– According to a Times study, higher psychopath/sociopath rates are common among CEOs, lawyers, surgeons, police officers, chefs, and salespersons.
– While 6.85% of men in the US show signs of ASPD, only 0.8% of women share the same qualities.
– 50% to 80% of inmates are likely to have ASPD.
– Most treatments are not effective because the patients are not willing to change.
– There is no medicine to cure sociopathy or psychopathy.
– The brain of people with ASPD works differently. The part of their brain responsible for sympathy and empathy (aka Amygdala) is less active than ordinary people.
– Contrary to common beliefs, the number of narcists is less than sociopaths—only 6.2% of Americans are narcissistic.
What Doctors Say About This Disorder
- Phillip Cavanaugh examined several kids who were cruel to animals. He later found out that the ASPD rate is much higher in this group. Dr. Phillip was among the first technicians to suggest that animal cruelty is a significant signal of further mental issues.
- Stephen Scott conducted a study on several children. He found out that kids that are too fascinated with gadgets are more likely to grow ASPD. He also said that short temper and lack of empathy in children should not be neglected at all. That’s because they’re the most initial signs of potential disorder.
- Bret Weinstein, a biologist and evolutionary theorist believes that sociopathy is a super-power in modern life. He suggests that more people are becoming sociopaths as a protective reaction to the world’s cruelty. Bret also proposes having more restricting regulations to limit citizens with such disorders from hurting others.
Done with the Sociopath Test? Here Are More Resources
-
Books to Read
The Mask of Sanity (1941) by psychiatrist Hervey M. Cleckley is a great start. The book observes the reality of anti-social disorders while debugging wrong beliefs.
Sociopaths and Psychopaths: A Crisis of Conscience and Empathy by Dr. Max Wachtel is another good read. In his book, Dr. Wachtel goes on a myth-busting journey, answering some controversial questions on the sanity topic.
-
Podcasts to Listen
Narcissist Abuse Support is a podcast to help those who’ve been abused or hurt by ASPD patients.
Save Your Sanity – Help for Toxic Relationships is another beneficial podcast for those who’ve been in a romantic relationship with ill-mannered people. Here are some other suggestions:
– The psychopath in Your Life
– A Date with Darkness Podcast
– Young Charlie by Hollywood & Crime
– The Serial Killer Podcast
-
Shows and Documentaries to Watch
– Psychopath Documentary (2000)
– I, Psychopath Documentary (2009)
– Gone Girl (the movie)
– Single White Female (the movie)
– No Country for Old Men (the movie)
– American Psycho (the film)
-
Biographies to Read
– King Leopold II
– Pol Pot
– Heinrich Himmler
– Josef Mengele
– Jim Jones
Disclaimer: The Sociopath Tests Are NOT ACCURATE
There is no accurate sociopath test on the internet. Whatever quiz you take are mainly for entertainment. The scores and outcomes should not make you worried. DO NOT rely on the scores you get—because they don’t carry any clinical value.