There exists a vast selection of personality tests, varying in complexity from one another. It can be fun to dabble in these and notice if they match up with who you consider yourself to be in the world—or actually use them as friendly guides that point to places that could use some development or work—from the Myers-Briggs test (which can shed light on how one senses the world and makes findings) to the Erotic Blueprints (an arousal map that shows one’s primary erotic language) to even broader frameworks like astrology. The so-called Difficult Person Test is an additional personality evaluation that could assist you in accomplishing this.
What Is Difficult Person Test?
The Difficult Person Test is an internet-based assessment tool that uses personality research directed by clinical psychologist Chelsea Sleep to ascertain whether an individual is challenging to get along with [1]. The test assesses seven distinct traits: indifference, arrogance, aggressiveness, suspicion, manipulation, dominance, and risk-taking. The website IDRlabs developed the test. They claim to develop tests based on scientific research that has been peer-reviewed. IDR is an abbreviation for Individual Differences Research. However, they claim to be unaffiliated with any particular researchers or research institutions. Sleep has admitted to other media venues that she was not involved in developing the Difficult Person Test. Nonetheless, social media has contributed to the test’s increased prominence in recent months, expanding on the work of Sleep and her colleagues.
How To Take The Difficult Person Test?
The only place to take the Difficult Person Test is on the IDRlabs website (at least, the specific one that has gone viral).
7 Traits Of Difficult Person Test
Well, Sleep and her colleagues at the University of Georgia examined the structure of antagonism and important factors that may contribute to an individual being perceived as antagonistic in the study cited by the test. Personality researcher Joshua D. Miller, Ph.D., who oversaw Sleep’s research, explains that the team does not truly designate these traits as “difficult.” “We call it disagreeableness—a spectrum that spans antagonism to agreeableness,” he continues. Let us now deconstruct the seven traits that the IDRlabs test deems challenging.
Callousness
The definition of callousness is insensitivity and a callous disregard for others. This trait may make those around the callous individual feel insecure or defensive. “It can be annoying for people to be callous if it psychologically wounds the receiver constantly,” Miller asserts.
Grandiosity
An unfounded sense of superiority over others characterizes grandiosity, manifesting as boasting, contempt for others, or the conviction that one is exempt from commonplace regulations and boundaries. Notably, research has demonstrated that narcissistic tendencies do not indicate a healthy sense of self-worth but rather an assertion of superiority in which a person believes they are superior to others. This trait, which can damage relationships and one’s health, is another defining characteristic of narcissism.
Aggressiveness
Hostility, force, or violent demeanor are all indicative of aggressiveness. A lot of the time, people who are driven by aggression don’t try to get along, find harmony, or find serenity. Miller provides a good illustration of when aggressiveness may be right and when it may backfire: “In my academic work, I could argue with aggressiveness in my field and be disagreeable without a bunch of trouble or costs—but if I behaved that way consistently at home and in other contexts, it would be closer to something we might consider a problem.”
Suspicion
Suspicion pertains to the apprehension that something is amiss without scant evidence. In some circumstances, exercising prudence regarding one’s trust may prove helpful; however, when suspicious tendencies spiral out of control, problems like pseudoscience and conspiracies may develop and injure others.
Manipulativeness
Manipulative behavior refers to when someone repeatedly tries to influence the actions or feelings of others for their gain. As an antagonistic trait, manipulation is problematic when used to circumvent logic, deceive, or coerce compliance with the influencer’s desires.
Dominance
The possession of power and influence over others is synonymous with dominance. A dominant personality can rapidly veer toward extreme antagonism and, as a result, be challenging to get along with, even though these traits can be used altruistically. For a supervisor who lacks emotional intelligence, for instance, dealing with a dominant personality may be a formidable task.
Risk-taking
Individuals willing to engage in hazardous behavior to achieve a specific outcome may be categorized as risk-takers. Taking risks has many advantages, but if one does not think about how their impulsive actions may impact those around them—or may put themselves in danger—risk-taking can quickly turn negative and chaotic. Miller notably disagrees, however, that risk-taking ought to be on the list. “The paper that this is based on doesn’t include risk-taking in this construct,” he explained to MBG. “It reaches out because other papers include it.”
Is The Difficult Person Test Legitimate?
Both yes and no. Although the Difficult Person Test is based on research that has been peer-reviewed, the researchers who conducted the original study were not involved in the development of the online test offered by IDRlabs.
Sleep, Miller, and their colleagues conducted their study to comprehend the structure of personality better. Their research involved 532 participants from a prominent southeastern university and focused on the structure of antagonism. It was based on widely accepted measures of pathological personality traits. Their research showed how antagonism manifests itself as a trait at various intensities and specificities.
As one of his main arguments, Miller emphasizes that fixed antagonist traits become problematic. He explains, “A flexible personality is a healthy personality.” “Based on the situation, you want your personality to shift somewhat.” It is a problem if you cannot shift your personality to satisfy specific requirements. [In other words], if the problems are prevalent, persistent, and long-lasting, being challenging in all situations may qualify as a disorder.
Well, GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor at PsychPoint, continues by saying that challenging people frequently demonstrate indifference to the consequences of their actions on others. “[Difficult people] think it is OK to be careless with other people’s boundaries and will frequently reject responsibility for their actions and/or try to overpower others,” Guarino reports to MBG. In this situation, radical self-honesty, adaptability, and a readiness to change are paramount.
Miller adds that there are many reasons why people may be challenging beyond just antagonism. “Emotional dysregulation could be ‘difficult’ for the person who needs constant reassurance,” according to him. “A person can be difficult for a lot of reasons.” That in no way indicates that they are a jerk.”
Therefore, when taking The Difficult Person Test, it may not be helpful to become overly attached to your results or to assume that they are unalterable. Instead, it may be helpful to use the results as a consultative manual that sheds light on aspects of yourself that you may not have known about, or that may require modification. It’s also helpful to remember that employing adaptability and enthusiastic effort when dealing with personality tendencies is highly effective, regardless of the results. Conversely, humiliation and judgment are ineffective in fostering individual development.
The 3 Dark Personality Types, Aka The “Dark Triad”
Because antagonism is the foundation of the “Dark Triad” of dark personality kinds in psychology—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—the Difficult Person Test research is relevant to this group.
Miller posits that narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy are characterized by a propensity for indifference, cruelty, and an excessive preoccupation with one’s interests to the detriment of others. He explains, “Psychopathy is the most pathologized.” “The combination of intense impulsivity and/or intense disagreeableness is the small adaptive and unhelpful in all settings.” (However, he clarifies that he hates the “Dark Triad” moniker because it inaccurately characterizes these traits.)
Guarino elaborates on the three traits by stating, “Difficult people frequently exhibit narcissistic behaviors, including an inflated ego and a sense of entitlement. Through patterns of suspicion, manipulation, and aggression, problematic people exhibit Machiavellianism as well. Last but not least, psychopathic behaviors are those that show a lack of empathy for others. These behaviors can be seen in problematic people through impulsivity, risk-taking, insensitivity, and negligence when dealing with other people’s emotions.
What To Do If You’re A Difficult Person
Where do you go if the Difficult People Test (or another test) identifies you as difficult or if you simply suspect that you may be a difficult person? Guarino asserts that while difficult people may exhibit dark triad traits, they frequently do not intend to be difficult or are dissatisfied with their challenging personalities. “Difficult people may not want to be this way but do not know how to get themselves out of their cycles of difficult behavior,” according to her.
Guarino recommends that you speak with a therapist to address your challenging behaviors and learn how to manage and improve them. “A mental health therapist will assist you in learning how these difficult manners developed and what purpose they serve for you,” according to her. “From there, your therapist will be capable of assisting you in learning healthier coping skills and behaviors to use in the location of your difficult behaviors that are driving stress for you and your loved ones.” Additionally, they possess the ability to instruct you in stress tolerance techniques that can effectively reduce your reactivity.
Miller also stresses that you must first have the motivation to change; you will need someone else to do the work for you. People who work on these traits are quite courageous because it is frequently a harrowing process to shift personality traits that seem deeply ingrained. In addition to considering the possibility of consulting a mental health professional for assistance, Miller proposes “faking it until you make it” to diminish or alleviate ingrained automated behaviors. “Try to offer warmth/regard for others even if you don’t feel it,” according to him. “Express sympathy even if you do not feel empathy—try to behave nicer and in less difficult ways and see if this is improving your life.” Motivation will rise due to observing tangible progress in one’s relationship with oneself and others.
Consider The Following:
Conclusion:
Don’t be concerned if you take the Difficult Person Test and receive results that suggest a propensity for these negative traits. Simply participating in the test indicates that you are attempting to develop greater self-awareness and encourage yourself and others to be more collaborative and kind. With practice, insight into mental health, and emotional intelligence, some traits can even be directed toward altruism. The first step toward achieving harmony and balance in any relationship is to become aware of oneself and your inclinations.
