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The term “psychopath” is used to describe someone who is callous, unemotional, and morally depraved. Although not an official mental health diagnosis, it is often used in clinical and legal settings to refer to someone who often is egocentric, antisocial, lacking remorse and empathy for others, and often has criminal tendencies.

Many psychopathy characteristics overlap with symptoms of antisocial personality disorder, a broader mental health condition used to describe people who chronically act out and break societal rules. However, only a small number of individuals with antisocial personality disorder are considered to be a psychopath.

Learn psychopath characteristics, the history of the term, and how to recognize if someone might be a psychopath. We also cover the differences between sociopath vs. psychopath, available treatments, and things you can do to cope with this type of person.

Common Psychopath Traits

Psychopathic behavior varies greatly from one individual to another. Some are sex offenders and murderers, while others may be successful leaders. It all depends on their traits. It’s also important to distinguish between a psychopath and someone with psychopathic traits.

It’s possible to exhibit psychopathic traits without being an actual psychopath. People with psychopathic traits don’t necessarily engage in psychopathic behavior. Only individuals with psychopathic traits who also exhibit antisocial behavior are considered to be psychopaths.

Psychopathic traits commonly include:

• Antisocial behavior
• Narcissism
• Superficial charm
• Impulsivity
• Callous, unemotional traits
• Lack of guilt
• Lack of empathy
• Lack of fear

One study found that about 29% of the general population exhibit one or more psychopathic traits, but only 0.6% are likely to fit the definition of a psychopath.

Is There a Psychopath Test?

While there may be plenty of free “psychopath tests” floating around on the internet, two that are used most often are the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPL).

• Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R): The PCL-R is a 20-item inventory that assesses whether an individual exhibits certain traits and behaviors that could indicate psychopathy. It’s intended to be completed with a semi-structured interview and a review of available records, such as police reports or medical information. This psychopath test is often used to predict the likelihood that a criminal may re-offend, as well as their capacity for rehabilitation.
• Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPL): The PPL is an alternative psychopath test that was introduced in 1996. This test is used to assess psychopathic traits in non-criminal populations. It may still be used with incarcerated individuals, but is more often applied to other populations, such as university students.

Signs of a Psychopath

Psychopathic traits may emerge during childhood and grow worse with age. The following are some of the most common signs of a psychopath.

Superficial Charm

Psychopaths are often likable on the surface. They’re usually good conversationalists and share stories that make them look good. Psychopaths may be funny and charismatic as well making them good leaders, whether it is a business or a cult.

Need for Stimulation

A psychopath loves excitement. They like to have constant action in their lives, and they frequently want to live in the “fast lane.”

Quite often, a psychopath’s need for stimulation involves breaking rules. They may enjoy the thrill of getting away with something, or they might even like the fact that they could “get caught” at any moment. Consequently, psychopaths often struggle to stay engaged in dull or repetitive tasks, and they may be intolerant of routines.

Pathological Lying

Psychopaths tell lies to look good and get out of trouble. They are known to tell lies even when it is easier to tell the truth. They also tell lies to cover up their previous lies. So, they have difficulty keeping their stories straight sometimes as they forget what they’ve said. If challenged by anyone, a psychopath will simply change their story again or rework the facts to fit the situation.

Grandiose Sense of Self-Worth

A psychopath has an inflated view of themselves. They see themselves as important and entitled. Psychopaths often feel justified to live according to their own rules, and they think that the laws don’t apply to them.

Manipulative

Psychopaths are really good at getting other people to do what they want. They may play on a person’s guilt while lying to get someone else to do their work for them.

Lack of Remorse

A psychopath doesn’t care how their behavior affects other people. They may forget about something that hurts someone, or they may insist that others are overreacting when their feelings are hurt. Ultimately, psychopaths don’t experience guilt for causing people pain. In fact, they often rationalize their behavior and blame other people.

Shallow Affect

Psychopaths don’t show many emotions—at least not genuine ones. They may appear cold and unemotional much of the time. But when it serves them well, a psychopath might exhibit a dramatic display of feelings. These are usually short-lived and quite shallow.

Lack of Empathy

Psychopaths struggle to understand how someone else might feel afraid, sad, or anxious. It just doesn’t make sense to them. A psychopath is completely indifferent to people who are suffering—even when it’s a close friend or family member.

Parasitic Lifestyle

Psychopaths may have sob stories about why they can’t earn money, or they might often report being victimized by others. Then they take advantage of the kindness of others by depending on them financially. A psychopath uses people to get whatever they can with no regard for how the other person may feel.

Poor Behavioral Controls

Psychopaths struggle to follow rules, laws, and policies much of the time. Even if they set out to follow the rules, a psychopath usually doesn’t stick to them for long.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior

Since they don’t care about the people around them, a psychopath is likely to cheat on their partners. They may engage in unprotected sex with strangers, or they may use sex as a way to get what they want. Sex is not an emotional or loving act for a psychopath.

Early Behavioral Problems

Most psychopaths exhibit behavioral problems at an early age. They may cheat, skip school, vandalize property, misuse substances, or become violent. A psychopath’s misbehaviors tend to escalate over time and are more serious than their peer’s misbehaviors.

Lack of Realistic, Long-Term Goals

A psychopath’s goal might be to become rich or famous. But quite often, they have little idea about how to make these things happen. Instead, they insist that somehow, they’ll get what they want without putting in the effort to get there.

Impulsivity

Psychopaths respond to things according to the way they feel. They don’t spend time thinking about the potential risks and benefits of their choices. Instead, a psychopath wants immediate gratification. So, they may quit a job, end a relationship, move to a new city, or buy a new car on a whim.

Irresponsibility

Promises don’t mean anything to a psychopath. Whether they promise to repay a loan or sign a contract, they aren’t trustworthy. They may shrug off child support payments, get deeply in debt, or forget about obligations and commitments.

A psychopath doesn’t accept responsibility for the problems in their lives. They see their issues as always being someone else’s fault. Psychopaths frequently play the role of the victim and enjoy sharing stories about how others have taken advantage of them.

Many Marital Relationships

Psychopaths may get married because it serves them well. For example, they may want to spend a partner’s income or share their debt with someone else. But their behavior often leads to frequent divorces as a psychopath’s partner will eventually see them in a more accurate light.

Criminal Versatility

Psychopaths tend to view rules as suggestions—and they usually see laws as restrictions that hold them back. Their criminal behaviors can be quite varied. Driving infractions, financial violations, and acts of violence are just a few examples of the array of crimes a psychopath might commit.

Of course, not all psychopaths become incarcerated. Some may operate under shady businesses or engage in unethical practices that don’t lead to an arrest.

Revocation of Conditional Release

Most psychopaths don’t adhere to the rules of conditional release when they are released from prison. They may think they won’t get caught again, or they find ways to excuse their behavior. A psychopath might even blame “getting caught” on other people.

Psychopath vs. Sociopath

While “psychopath” and “sociopath” are sometimes used synonymously, they have different meanings and different patterns of traits and behaviors. What’s the difference between psychopath vs. sociopath?

• Psychopaths lack a conscience and don’t feel empathy for others. They use their intelligence to manipulate and exploit others. They are planners and schemers and can be predatory. They can also require immediate gratification and act out impulsively. They may pretend to care but often maintain a normal facade to cover up cold-hearted or even criminal behaviors.
• Sociopaths may experience limited empathy and remorse for their actions and don’t bother to pretend to care. They struggle to maintain normal behaviors and routines and can be impulsive and overly emotional. A sociopath may recognize that their actions are wrong but find ways to rationalize their impulsive and harmful behaviors. They have a harder time maintaining jobs and relationships.

Causes of Psychopathy

Early research on psychopathy suggested that it often stems from issues related to parent-child attachment. Emotional deprivation, parental rejection, and a lack of affection were all thought to increase the risk that a child would become a psychopath.

Studies have found a link between maltreatment, abuse, insecure attachments, and frequent separations from caregivers. Some researchers believe that these childhood issues can trigger psychopathic traits.

Other researchers suggest it may be the other way around. Kids with serious behavioral problems may end up with attachment issues because of their behavior—their misconduct might push adults away from them.

It’s likely that psychopathic traits stem from several factors, such as genetics, neurological alterations, adverse parenting, and maternal prenatal risks (such as exposure to toxins in utero). A systematic review of the literature in 2020 explores numerous studies that consistently show specific brain structures and functions that are unique to a psychopath.

Psychopaths and Violence

Some literature suggests that a psychopath may be more likely to be violent than the general population. Many studies have linked psychopathic traits to violence. Court systems may evaluate a criminal’s psychopathic tendencies as a way to predict the likelihood that they will commit further violent acts.

But not all psychopaths are violent. Some are even considered good human beings. Studies have found there are “successful psychopaths” who are more likely to be promoted to leadership positions and less likely to serve time behind bars.

Successful psychopaths may rank higher in certain traits, such as conscientious traits, and this may help them manage their antisocial impulses better than those who end up convicted of serious crimes.

Treatment for Psychopaths

Whether psychopaths can be treated is a widely debated issue. Some researchers report that treatment doesn’t help. Others argue that specific treatments can reduce certain behaviors, such as violence.

A 2018 review of the literature found that many of the studies conducted on treatment effectiveness only applied to specific populations, such as sex offenders. So, the treatments that work with that population may not work for other psychopaths.

Similarly, female psychopaths may require a different approach. In general, they tend to be less violent than men, so their treatment might be slightly different.

The same literature review found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be effective in some cases. However, further research is needed to identify which cognitive restructuring strategies work best and how to use them with specific populations.

Other options include democratic therapeutic community (DTC), impulsive lifestyle counseling, and /or medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

Coping With a Psychopath

Most psychopaths don’t want to change because they don’t see any need. They remain convinced that other people are wrong instead of them. As a result, it’s usually those around them who are searching for coping strategies. After all, being around a callous, unemotional person is tough.

If being around a psychopath is causing you a fair amount of distress, get professional help. A mental health professional can help you establish healthy boundaries and recognize when you’re at risk of being manipulated so you can take care of yourself.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants were developed for people with major depressive disorder and other disorders characterized by low mood. But many people with BPD are treated with these medications as well.

There are many types of antidepressants that have been studied for use with BPD. These include tetracyclic and tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Common antidepressants include:

• Effexor (venlafaxine)
• Nardil (phenelzine)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Wellbutrin (bupropion)
• Zoloft (sertraline)

Antipsychotics

The term “borderline” was coined because early psychiatrists believed that the symptoms of BPD were “on the border” between neurosis and psychosis. For this reason, some of the first medications tested for BPD were antipsychotics.

Antipsychotic drugs can have a positive effect on a variety of non-psychotic disorders, including BPD. They have been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, paranoid thinking, anger or hostility, and impulsivity in patients with BPD.

Common antipsychotics include:

• Abilify (aripiprazole)
• Geodon (ziprasidone)
• Risperdal (risperidone)
• Seroquel (quetiapine)
• Zyprexa (olanzapine)

Mood Stabilizers/Anticonvulsants

Medications with mood-stabilizing properties and some anticonvulsant or anti-seizure medications have been used to treat the impulsive behavior and rapid emotional changes associated with BPD. And research suggests that these classes of drugs are frequently prescribed to people with BPD.

Common anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers for BPD include:

• Depakote (valproate)
• Lamictal (lamotrigine)
• Lithobid (lithium)
• Tegretol or Carbatrol (carbamazepine)

Anxiolytics (Anti-Anxiety Drugs)

Because individuals with BPD also often experience intense anxiety, medications to reduce anxiety are sometimes prescribed. Common anxiolytics include:

• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Buspar (buspirone)
• Klonopin (clonazepam)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Xanax (alprazolam)

Unfortunately, there is very little research to support the use of anti-anxiety medication to treat BPD. There is some evidence, however, that the use of benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Klonopin)—a particular class of anxiolytics—may actually cause a worsening of symptoms for some individuals with BPD.

Benzodiazepines are categorized as a Schedule IV controlled substances, which means there is a risk for physical and psychological dependence. They are legal when prescribed by a licensed medical professional and should be used only as directed.

Buspar, an anxiolytic that is not habit-forming, is an alternative to medications from the benzodiazepine family.

Other Borderline Personality Disorder Medications

As we learn more about BPD, new medications are being developed and tested for the disorder. Researchers are exploring anti-dementia drugs, anesthetics, and facial paralysis drugs to learn more about their effects on BPD. This research is ongoing and more evidence is needed to learn more about the uses and efficacy of such medications.

Findings from one study suggest that an omega-3-fatty acid supplement may lead to decreased aggression and feelings of hostility in people with BPD. However, further research is needed before omega-3 supplements can be recommended for relieving BPD symptoms.

Borderline Personality Disorder Discussion Guide

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Side Effects of Medications for BPD

As with other medicines, people may experience side effects while taking BPD medications. It is important to remember that each medication has its own set of potential side effects. That said, some of the more common side effects include:

• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Sedation
• Weight gain

Always talk to your healthcare provider about both the common and rare side effects associated with your specific medication so you know what to expect. It is also important to tell them about any other medications, substances, or supplements you are taking to avoid potentially serious drug interactions.

Challenges When Taking BPD Medications

There are a number of challenges that can affect the use of medications to treat BPD. These include:

• People have differing needs: There tends to be a high degree of variability in the symptoms that each person with BPD experiences.
• Co-occurring conditions are common: Having another condition can complicate medication choice. For example, antidepressants should not be used in cases where someone also has bipolar disorder because these substances can trigger manic episodes.
• Multiple approaches may be necessary: Medications may not be able to manage all BPD symptoms, which is why things like psychotherapy and self-care are also important. Plus, it’s not uncommon for someone with a borderline personality disorder to be prescribed numerous medications.

Precautions When Taking Medication for BPD

There are certain precautions to take before trying a medication to treat BPD. Some concerns to think about include:

• Benzodiazepines may worsen symptoms for some individuals. Research suggests that benzodiazepines may worsen the symptoms of impulsivity and suicidality in people with BPD, so their use is discouraged.
• Some medications, such as benzodiazepines, may be habit-forming. Research also suggests that people with BPD may be at a higher risk of benzodiazepine dependence, potentially due to efforts to self-medicate.
• Antidepressants carry a black-box warning. This warning notes that antidepressants are associated with an increased risk for suicidal thinking in young people.

Coping With BPD

While psychotherapy is the standard treatment approach for BPD, medications may be useful for relieving and managing some symptoms. There are also steps that people with BPD can take to improve their ability to cope. These include:

• Treating co-occurring conditions: Other mental health conditions such as substance use, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can make managing BPD more challenging. Treating those co-occurring illnesses can help you feel better.
• Finding ways to manage stress: Stress can play a major role in exacerbating the symptoms of BPD, so finding ways to reduce or manage stress can be helpful. These might include deep breathing, exercise, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation.
• Developing coping skills: Finding effective ways to deal with emotional distress and control impulsive behaviors can also help you function better in daily life. Mindfulness, social support, and dialectical behavior therapy can help improve coping skills.

Narcissism has become something of a buzzword in recent years, and is often thrown around (too) casually in reference to people who behave in a way we don’t like.

That said, there are certain traits and behaviors that are associated with both the common usage of the term “narcissist” as well as narcissistic personality disorder. This fast and free quiz can help identify whether or not you or someone you know may exhibit these traits.

Who Is This Narcissism Test For?

This test is for anyone who is having challenges in personal and/or professional relationships and may be questioning their behaviors toward others and their feelings about themselves. While it can’t diagnose narcissistic personality disorder, it can tell you if you or someone you know may have higher or lower amounts of narcissistic traits.

About This Narcissist Test

This narcissist test is based on elements of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, which was developed in 1979 using the third edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to measure narcissistic personality disorder traits.

These scores can’t diagnose narcissistic personality disorder. They are a starting point to measure for narcissistic personality traits.

What to Know About Narcissistic Personality Disorder

You’ve probably heard the term narcissist used pretty freely. People often use it to describe actions or behaviors in a situation. While someone might demonstrate a few narcissistic behaviors or traits, it doesn’t mean they have the disorder.

Narcissistic personality disorder was historically classified as a cluster B personality disorder based on the DSM-IV-TR cluster system. Other personality disorders in this category include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorders.

Now, disorders are more typically categorized based on the 5 domains of traits from the DSM-5:

• Negative affectivity
• Detachment
• Antagonism
• Disinhibition
• Psychoticism

Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

NPD impacts social relationships and can cause issues in daily interactions. Someone with the disorder may have trouble relating to others or sustaining long-term relationships.

People with NPD demonstrate at least five of the following behaviors or traits in order to be diagnosed: 

• Grandiosity or high level of self-importance and entitlement
• A need for constant admiration or praise 
• Belief that they’re special and can only be understood by others who are also special
• Lack of empathy and ability to identify with the needs of others
• Frequent fantasies about success, power, or perfection
• Sense of entitlement and expectations of favorable treatment
• Arrogance 
• Manipulates or takes advantage of others
• Envious of others

These signs can vary from person to person, and only a mental health professional can make a formal diagnosis.

Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

NPD is a complex disorder that researchers are still learning about. It’s believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, experiences during childhood development, and cultural environment. 

Someone could develop NPD from negative experiences in early childhood, such as: 

• Getting rejected  
• Being abused
• Having a parent or guardian with the disorder
• Abandonment 

On the other hand, overly praising a child and telling them they have extraordinary abilities and traits is also thought to be a cause of NPD.

It’s hard to predict why someone develops enough narcissistic traits to be diagnosed as having NPD because everyone reacts differently to childhood experiences.

Treatments for Narcissistic Personality Disorder

There’s no specific treatment or medication for NPD. People with the disorder also aren’t likely to seek out treatment for narcissistic traits. They may recognize trouble with relationships or conflict at work as being issues but may not realize their behavior is contributing to these issues. 

Since NPD is often diagnosed along with other mental health conditions, someone may seek treatment for anxiety, depression, or impulse or mood control issues. Treating these conditions may also help the person with NPD.

Do you know what energizes you? We often tend to think of ourselves as either introverted or extroverted, but it may not be as simple as that.

The Introvert or Extrovert Quiz

This free and fast quiz can help give you some insight into where you fall on the spectrum of extroversion and introversion.

Who Is This Introvert or Extrovert Quiz For?

This quiz is for anyone who is curious about their personality, especially relating to social interaction. Maybe you’ve always considered yourself an introvert and would like to confirm your suspicions. Or maybe you’re wondering what it means that everyone is always calling you the life of the party.

Remember, this quiz is only meant for entertainment purposes. We are complex creatures, and our personalities are determined by an unknowable combination of our past experiences, learned behaviors, and so much more.

Think of this quiz as a fun way to reflect on how you act in certain situations, and how different it might be to try some different behaviors on for size.

About This Quiz

Introversion and extroversion (sometimes spelled extraversion) were first specifically identified as personality traits by the famous psychologist Carl Jung. Today, several different personality frameworks—such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Big Five, and Caddell’s 16 personality factors—utilize these traits as part of their assessments.

Our quiz builds on these frameworks to help you determine where you might fall on the spectrum of introversion and extroversion based on a variety of common social situations. 

What This Quiz Says About Your Personality

Introversion and extroversion are just one possible element of your personality. At the end of the day, who you are is so much more than that, and we’d never presume to be able to capture your essence with the results of this quiz.

On a different day, you could just as easily receive a different result based on how you’re feeling. We’re just complicated like that, so don’t get too caught up in your results!

What If I Don’t Like Being an Introvert or Extrovert?

Whether your result is introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, you are not always just one thing all the time. We all need alone time now and then, just as we can all benefit from the occasional night out with a group of close friends and loved ones.

With the right motivation and the right strategy, it actually is possible to change your habits and even elements of your personality. If you’d like to be more social, connect with a good friend who is more outgoing and ask them to help you get out more and meet new people.

If you need a break from the social life, don’t be afraid to say no once in a while when you’re looking for some me-time.

The most important thing is to continue checking in with yourself. You are the only person who truly knows what you need to feel energized and where your sources of happiness are.

Be honest with yourself—and with your inner circle—about your needs, and take whatever action is needed to make sure you are spending time the way you want to spend it.

It’s tempting to keep putting off the tasks we don’t enjoy. Even though we know it will lead to more stress later, it’s common to avoid starting or finishing things we don’t really want to do.

Procrastination is the act of delaying or putting off tasks until the last minute or past their deadline. It’s not just a time management problem. Researchers suggest that it’s a failure in self-regulation that leads us to act irrationally. We put things off, even though we know this delay will lead to negative consequences.

No matter how well-organized and committed you are, chances are you have found yourself frittering away hours on trivial pursuits (watching TV, scrolling through your Facebook feed, shopping online, etc.) when you should have been spending that time on work or school-related projects.

What Causes Procrastination?

Remember that time that you thought you had a week left to finish a project that was really due the next day? How about the time you decided not to clean up your apartment because you “didn’t feel like doing it right now?”

We often assume that projects won’t take as long to finish as they really will, which can lead to a false sense of security when we believe that we still have plenty of time to complete these tasks.

One of the biggest factors contributing to procrastination is the notion that we have to feel inspired or motivated to work on a task at a particular moment.

Waiting for motivation isn’t the only problem that contributes to procrastination, however. The following are a few other factors that can play a role.

Academics

Researchers suggest that procrastination can be particularly pronounced among students. An estimated 75% of students procrastinate regularly, and around half of these students feel that this behavior is a persistent problem.

According to researchers, some major cognitive distortions lead to academic procrastination. Students tend to:

• Overestimate how much time they have left to perform tasks
• Overestimate how motivated they will be in the future
• Underestimate how long certain activities will take to complete
• Mistakenly assume that they need to be in the right frame of mind to work on a project

Present Bias

The present bias is a phenomenon observed in human behavior that may result in procrastination. The present bias means that we tend to be motivated more by immediate gratification or rewards than we are by long-term rewards. This is why it feels good in the moment to procrastinate.

For example, the immediate reward of staying in bed and watching TV is more appealing than the long-term reward of publishing a blog post, which would take much longer to accomplish.

Depression

Procrastination can also be a result of depression. Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and a lack of energy can make it difficult to start (and finish) the simplest task. Depression can also lead to self-doubt. When you can’t figure out how to tackle a project or feel insecure about your abilities, you might find it easier to put it off.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Procrastination is also pretty common in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. One reason is that OCD is often linked with maladaptive perfectionism, which causes fears about making new mistakes, doubts about whether you are doing something correctly, and worry over others’ expectations of you.

People with OCD also often have a propensity toward indecision, causing them to procrastinate rather than make a decision.

ADHD

Many adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with procrastination. When you’re so distracted by outside stimuli, as well as internal thoughts, it can be hard to get started on a task, especially if that task is difficult or not interesting to you.

Why Do You Procrastinate?

We often come up with several excuses or rationalizations to justify our behavior. The following are just a few of the common reasons why people tend to procrastinate:

• Not knowing what needs to be done
• Not knowing how to do something
• Not wanting to do something
• Not caring if it gets done or not
• Not caring when something gets done
• Not feeling in the mood to do it
• Being in the habit of waiting until the last minute
• Believing that you work better under pressure
• Thinking that you can finish it at the last minute
• Lacking the initiative to get started
• Forgetting
• Blaming sickness or poor health
• Waiting for the right moment
• Needing time to think about the task
• Delaying one task in favor of working on another

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Types of Procrastination

Some researchers classify two types of procrastinators: passive and active procrastinators.

• Passive procrastinators: Delay the task because they have trouble making decisions and acting on them
• Active procrastinators: Delay the task purposefully because working under pressure allows them to “feel challenged and motivated”

Others define the types of procrastinators based on different behavioral styles of procrastination, including:

• Perfectionist: Puts off tasks out of the fear of not being able to complete a task perfectly
• Dreamer: Puts off tasks because they are not good at paying attention to detail
• Defier: Doesn’t believe someone should dictate their time schedule
• Worrier: Puts off tasks out of fear of change or leaving the comfort of “the known”
• Crisis-maker: Puts off tasks because they like working under pressure
• Overdoer: Takes on too much and struggles with finding time to start and complete task

Procrastinators vs. Non-Procrastinators

If you tend to put things off, you might wonder exactly what makes non-procrastinators different. According to the American Psychological Association, people who don’t procrastinate tend to focus more on the task itself. Rather than worrying about how other people see them, they are more concerned with how they see themselves.

People who don’t procrastinate also tend to be high in the personality trait known as conscientiousness, one of the broad dispositions identified by the Big Five personality theory. People with high conscientiousness also tend to be high in other areas, including self-discipline, persistence, and personal responsibility.

The Negative Impact of Procrastination

It becomes a more serious issue when procrastination is chronic and begins to impact a person’s daily life seriously. In such instances, it’s not just a matter of poor time management skills; it’s a major part of their lifestyle.

Perhaps they pay their bills late, don’t start work on big projects until the night before the deadline, delay gift shopping until the day before a birthday, and even file their income tax returns late.

Unfortunately, this procrastination can have a serious impact on many life areas, including a person’s mental health and social, professional, and financial well-being:

• Higher levels of stress and illness
• Increased burden placed on social relationships
• Resentment from friends, family, co-workers, and fellow students
• Consequences of delinquent bills and income tax returns

How to Overcome Procrastination

You might find yourself wondering, How can I stop procrastinating?

Fortunately, there are a number of different things you can do to fight procrastination and start getting things done on time. Consider these your procrastination exercises:

• Make a to-do list: To help keep you on track, consider placing a due date next to each item.
• Take baby steps: Break down the items on your list into small, manageable steps so that your tasks don’t seem so overwhelming.
• Recognize the warning signs: Pay attention to any thoughts of procrastination and do your best to resist the urge. If you begin to think about procrastinating, force yourself to spend a few minutes working on your task.
• Eliminate distraction: Ask yourself what pulls your attention away the most—whether it’s Instagram, Facebook updates, or the local news—and turn off those sources of distraction.
• Pat yourself on the back: When you finish an item on your to-do list on time, congratulate yourself and reward yourself by indulging in something you find fun.    

If you put things off sometimes, don’t worry; it happens to all of us. It’s often the tasks we dislike the most that get pushed off until the last minute. While common, it is important to remember that this behavior can have serious consequences, including hurting your relationships, your personal achievements, and your ability to succeed at work and school.

Fortunately, you can do things to reduce that urge to stall. Understanding why you’re struggling to get started can help. Remember to create a to-do list of things that need to be done and start small. When you feel the urge to procrastinate, force yourself to do just one small thing. Sometimes, just getting started is half the battle.

Have you ever heard people say that they are more of a left-brained vs. a right-brained thinker? From books to TV shows, you’ve probably heard the phrase mentioned numerous times. Or perhaps you’ve even taken an online test to determine whether you are right-brained or left-brained.

Given the popularity of the idea of “left-brained” and “right-brained” thinkers, it might surprise you to learn that this idea is just one of many myths about the brain.

Left Brain vs Right Brain Traits

People described as left-brain thinkers are told they have strong math and logic skills. On the other hand, those who are described as right-brain thinkers are told that their talents are more on the creative side of things. Here are a few traits of each.

Traits of a Left-Brained Person

The left side of the brain is adept at certain tasks. Characteristics of the left brain include those related to:

• Language
• Logic
• Critical thinking
• Numbers
• Reasoning

What are “left-brained” people like? They are described as logical, analytical, and orderly. The theory suggests that people who are left-brain dominant do well in careers that involve linear thinking, math, and verbal information. This includes careers such as accountant, scientist, or computer programmer.

Traits of a Right-Brained Person

According to the left-brain, right-brain dominance theory, the right side of the brain is best at expressive and creative tasks. There are several abilities popularly associated with the right side of the brain. Based on these, a right-brained thinker is good at:

• Recognizing faces
• Expressing emotions
• Creating music
• Reading emotions
• Appreciating color
• Using imagination
• Being intuitive
• Being creative

So what are so-called “right-brained people” like? They are often described as being more emotional, intuitive, and creative. They are often described as doing well in careers that involve creative expression and free-thinking, such as becoming an artist, psychologist, or writer.

Theory of Left Brain vs Right Brain Dominance

According to the theory of left brain or right brain dominance, each side of the brain controls different types of thinking. Additionally, people are said to prefer one type of thinking over the other.

For example, a person who is “left-brained” is often said to be more logical, analytical, and objective. A person who is “right-brained” is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective.

In psychology, the theory is based on the lateralization of brain function. The brain contains two hemispheres that each perform a number of roles. The two sides of the brain communicate with one another via the corpus callosum.

The left hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body, while the right hemisphere controls those on the left. This is why damage to the left side of the brain, for example, might have an effect on the right side of the body.

History of Left Brain vs. Right Brain Theory

So does one side of the brain control specific functions? Are people either left-brained or right-brained? Like many popular psychology myths, this one grew out of observations of the human brain that were then dramatically distorted and exaggerated.

The left-brain-right-brain theory originated in the work of Roger W. Sperry, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1981. He studied brain functioning in patients who had their corpus callosum (the structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain) surgically severed to treat refractory epilepsy.

However, these patients also experienced other symptoms after the communication pathway between the two sides of the brain was cut. For example, many split-brain patients found themselves unable to name objects that were processed by the right side of the brain but were able to name objects that were processed by the left side of the brain. Based on this information, Sperry suggested that language was controlled by the left side of the brain.

Generally speaking, the left side of the brain tends to control many aspects of language and logic, while the right side tends to handle spatial information and visual comprehension.

Left Brain vs. Right Brain Research

Later research has shown that the brain is not nearly as dichotomous as once thought. For example, research has shown that abilities in subjects such as math are strongest when both halves of the brain work together.

Today, neuroscientists know that the two sides of the brain collaborate to perform a broad variety of tasks and that the two hemispheres communicate through the corpus callosum. “No matter how lateralized the brain can get, though, the two sides still work together,” science writer Carl Zimmer explained in an article for Discover magazine.

“The pop psychology notion of a left brain and a right brain doesn’t capture their intimate working relationship. The left hemisphere specializes in picking out the sounds that form words and working out the syntax of the phrase, for example, but it does not have a monopoly on language processing. The right hemisphere is more sensitive to the emotional features of language, tuning in to the slow rhythms of speech that carry intonation and stress.”

In one study by researchers at the University of Utah, more than 1,000 participants had their brains analyzed in order to determine if they preferred using one side over the other.

“It’s absolutely true that some brain functions occur in one or the other side of the brain. Language tends to be on the left, attention more on the right. But people don’t tend to have a stronger left- or right-sided brain network. It seems to be determined more connection by connection,” explained the study’s lead author Dr. Jeff Anderson.

So while people are often described as being either right-brained or left-brained, the truth is that they are actually both. While the idea of left-brain vs. right-brain thinkers has been debunked, its popularity persists.

Persisting Myths of the Left Brain vs. Right Brain

Researchers have demonstrated that left-brain/right-brain theory is a myth, yet its popularity persists. Why? Unfortunately, many people are likely unaware that the theory is outdated. In fact, the idea seems to have taken on a mind of its own within popular culture.

Today, students might continue to learn about the theory as a point of historical interest—to understand how our ideas about how the brain works have evolved and changed over time as researchers have learned more about how the brain operates. 

While over-generalized and overstated by popular psychology and self-help texts, understanding your strengths and weaknesses in certain areas can help you develop better ways to learn and study. For example, students who have a difficult time following verbal instructions (often cited as a right-brain characteristic) might benefit from writing down directions and developing better organizational skills.

Clinical psychologist Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS recommends that we take time to think about our unique strengths and traits and think about what areas we may want to work on or improve. “We can all benefit from improving our brain health, but first we have to identify what may be working for us, or not, and what areas we may want to exercise in order to make them stronger,” she explains. “The great news is that we can improve our brain health, build on our strengths, and create new ways of thinking and doing—it just takes identifying it and then practicing it!”

The important thing to remember if you take one of the many left-brain/right-brain quizzes you will likely encounter online is that they are entirely for fun, and you shouldn’t place much stock in your results.

Improving Brain Health Whether You Feel Left-Brained or Right-Brained

Whether you feel like you tend to be more of a creative type or an analytical type, there are things that you can do to keep your mind sharp and your brain healthy. 

• Get regular exercise: Research has found that exercise has a protective effect on cognition and brain health as people age.
• Keep your mind active: Studies found that people who are mentally active and work in mentally challenging fields, such as academics, tend to have better brain health. 
• Socialize: Social support is important for psychological well-being, but it is also essential for the health of your brain, particularly as you age. 
• Eat a healthy diet: The foods you eat can also impact your brain’s health and function. Focus on eating a balanced diet focused primarily on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs.
• Get enough rest: Sleep is essential to brain health and mental function, so focus on getting enough rest each night. Practice healthy sleep habits and stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule.

No matter what type of thinking you are doing, both sides of your brain are involved. The right-brain, left-brain theory might be inaccurate, but that doesn’t mean that understanding your strengths is not helpful. You can also take steps to protect the health of your brain by getting regular exercise, sleeping well, staying social, and putting your mind to use.