You’ve probably heard the term psychopath thrown around before. This term may be used loosely to describe someone whose behavior upsets us or refers to someone who has a mental health condition. While these are not accurate examples of a psychopath, this term can be correctly applied to someone who shows signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder. Psychopaths have no concern for others or an understanding of what’s right or wrong.
Take this test if you notice that your mother has difficulty relating to others and that her behaviour matches some of the descriptions above.
1. How likely would your mom be to act out violently if she's confronted?
A. She might yell at someone to defend herself
B. She escalates to violence quickly if she feels threatened
C. If she felt the need to defend herself, she wouldn’t hesitate to throw a few punches.
2. Do you think your mom would feel guilty for stealing $1,000 out of your bank account?
A. No, she has stolen money from multiple family members and shows no remorse
B. She would probably feel pretty rotten taking a huge amount
C. She would never do that
3. Does your mother have a hard time keeping jobs?
A. She has lost a few jobs due to failing to follow the rules
B. No, she has had a stable job for years.
C. Yes, she loses jobs all the time for violating employee code of conduct
4. Has it ever seemed like your mom makes the same mistakes over and over?
A. She occasionally makes mistakes, just like everyone else
B. She does sometimes repeat the same mistakes, which is incredibly frustrating
C. She repeatedly makes the same mistakes and sees no wrong in her behavior
5. Has your mother ever been in trouble with the law?
A. She has committed criminal offenses repeatedly
B. Aside from the occasional speeding ticket, she has a clean record.
C. She has gotten in trouble a few times for petty offenses
6. Does your mother respond well to authority?
A. No. She doesn’t listen to authority at all
B. She has had a few squabbles with bosses as she needs authority figures to earn her respect
C. She is able to listen to authority, especially in situations where it counts, like at work.
7. How would your mother be likely to respond if someone close to her experienced the death of a loved one?
A. She would show sympathy and send a card.
B. She would probably be rather indifferent as she doesn’t show emotion well
C. She would be likely to make a callous remark
8. Is your mother someone you would describe as arrogant?
A. Absolutely, she is very haughty and finds herself to be superior to others
B. She definitely feels pretty high on herself, even when it’s not warranted.
C. I wouldn’t say that. She’s just as humble as the next person.
9. Do you think your mother has a good sense of right and wrong?
A. She is someone who thinks it is okay to bend the rules, even if it hurts someone
B. Yes, she knows what is okay and what is not okay.
C. Not at all. She is willing to violate people’s rights and even hurt people
10. Would you describe your mother as being a risk-taker?
A. No more than the average person.
B. She can be a little impulsive at times.
C. She is incredibly impulsive and takes serious risks
11. Is your mother nice to others but mean to you?
A. Yes, for sure
B. Sometimes
C. Not at all
12. Does she apologize for her mistakes?
A. Yes, for sure
B. Sometimes
C. Not at all
13. How would she react if she sees someone crying?
A. She would console them and try to help them feel better
B. It depends on who it is
C. She won’t do anything
14. Do you feel emotional and physically safe around her?
A. Yes, for sure
B. Sometimes
C. Not at all
15. Do you feel that she manipulates you and others to her advantage?
A. Yes, for sure
B. Sometimes
C. Not at all
