The Levenson Psychopathy Test is a self-report psychological assessment designed to measure psychopathic traits in the general population. Unlike clinical tools such as the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, this test focuses on identifying tendencies and attitudes that resemble psychopathy on a spectrum — helping researchers and individuals understand antisocial or manipulative behavior patterns without implying a clinical diagnosis.

This article explains what the test measures, how it works, and how to interpret the results accurately.

What Is the Levenson Psychopathy Test?

The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) was developed by psychologist Michael R. Levenson in the 1990s to study psychopathy in non-criminal populations. The test consists of statements rated on a Likert scale, where participants indicate how strongly they agree or disagree with each statement.

Unlike traditional diagnostic assessments, the LSRP is not used to diagnose a disorder but to measure psychopathic traits across two main categories: Primary Psychopathy and Secondary Psychopathy.

The Two Dimensions of the Levenson Psychopathy Test

1. Primary Psychopathy

Primary psychopathy reflects emotional and interpersonal traits associated with a lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and emotional detachment. People with high scores on this dimension tend to be charming, confident, and persuasive, but may also be self-centered or insensitive to others’ feelings.

Common characteristics of high Primary Psychopathy scores include:

  • Low empathy or remorse
  • Tendency to use others for personal gain
  • Superficial charm and social confidence
  • Difficulty forming emotional connections

Those with lower scores, by contrast, tend to be caring, cooperative, and emotionally aware.

2. Secondary Psychopathy

Secondary psychopathy measures impulsivity, risk-taking, and antisocial tendencies. This form of psychopathy is linked more to poor emotional regulation rather than a cold personality.

Common characteristics of high Secondary Psychopathy scores include:

  • Impulsive decision-making
  • Reckless or thrill-seeking behavior
  • Emotional instability or irritability
  • Tendency toward rule-breaking or rebellion

Low scorers on this scale usually display self-control, responsibility, and a preference for stability.

How the Levenson Psychopathy Test Works

The test typically includes around 26 statements that measure agreement levels on a scale from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.” Each response contributes to a total score for both primary and secondary psychopathy.

Example statements include:

  • “I enjoy manipulating other people’s feelings.”
  • “I make a point of trying not to hurt others in pursuit of my goals.”
  • “I often act on the spur of the moment without thinking.”
  • “I find myself in trouble because I don’t think before I act.”

After answering all questions, the results are calculated to show two separate scores — one for each psychopathy dimension. The interpretation focuses on tendencies rather than diagnosis, making the test suitable for both research and self-reflection.

Interpreting the Results

Your Levenson Psychopathy Test score reflects where you fall on the continuum of psychopathic traits. Most people score relatively low, showing empathy, responsibility, and emotional regulation. However, moderate or higher scores may indicate a stronger presence of certain personality traits — such as charm, manipulation, or impulsivity.

Here’s a simplified overview:

  • Low Primary Psychopathy: Empathetic, cooperative, and emotionally aware.
  • High Primary Psychopathy: Detached, confident, and potentially manipulative.
  • Low Secondary Psychopathy: Calm, disciplined, and risk-averse.
  • High Secondary Psychopathy: Impulsive, rebellious, and prone to emotional reactivity.

It’s important to remember that these scores describe personality tendencies, not mental illness. High scores may reflect adaptive traits in some environments — such as confidence, risk-taking, or strategic thinking — rather than pathology.

Applications of the Levenson Psychopathy Test

Although originally developed for academic research, the Levenson Psychopathy Test is now widely used for self-exploration and behavioral studies. Some common uses include:

  • Personality research: Understanding how psychopathic traits appear in normal populations.
  • Self-assessment: Exploring one’s level of empathy, impulsivity, and control.
  • Behavioral analysis: Examining links between psychopathy and risk-taking, aggression, or moral reasoning.
  • Educational contexts: Teaching about personality traits and moral psychology.

Levenson Psychopathy Test vs. Hare Psychopathy Checklist

The Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R) is a clinical diagnostic tool used primarily with criminal offenders or forensic populations. In contrast, the Levenson Psychopathy Test is a self-report measure meant for general use. It allows individuals to reflect on their own personality patterns in a non-clinical, research-based context.

While the two share conceptual similarities, they differ in purpose and audience: the PCL-R assesses psychopathy as a disorder, whereas the LSRP measures traits along a normal psychological continuum.

Why the Levenson Psychopathy Test Is Valuable

The value of the Levenson Psychopathy Test lies in its ability to help individuals understand subtle aspects of their personality. Everyone displays some degree of traits like self-interest, manipulation, or impulsivity. Recognizing where you fall on this spectrum can increase self-awareness and help improve emotional intelligence and decision-making.

By identifying tendencies toward emotional detachment or impulsivity, people can take steps to balance those traits — strengthening empathy, patience, and self-control.

Final Thoughts

The Levenson Psychopathy Test offers a scientifically grounded way to explore psychopathic traits within yourself or others. While it doesn’t diagnose psychopathy, it provides valuable insights into two key aspects of human personality: emotional detachment and impulsivity. Understanding these traits can lead to greater personal growth, emotional regulation, and empathy — making it a useful tool for anyone interested in the complexities of personality psychology.