• Scam Victim Psychology - on SCARS Institute ScamPsychology.org

Welcome to the SCARS INSTITUTE Journal of Scam Psychology

A Journal of Applied Scam, Fraud, and Cybercrime Psychology – and Allied Sciences

A dedicated site for psychology, victimology, criminology, applied sociology and anthropology, and allied sciences, published by the SCARS INSTITUTE™ – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Decision-Making Test For Scam Victims

Please Note:

This self-test was developed by the scientists and psychologists at the SCARS Institute based on our experience interacting with very large numbers of scam victims. This is not a diagnosis of a mental condition. It is simply to give you an awareness of the subject. We recommend that you contact a mental healthcare professional, such as a counselor or therapist to explore this further.

Decision-Making Self-Test For Scam Victims

Cognitive Decision Making Test

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Scam Victim Decision-Making Self-Assessment Test

Instructions:

Read each statement and select the response that best reflects your feelings or behaviors. Be honest with yourself for the most accurate assessment.

Scale:

  • 1 - Strongly Disagree
  • 2 - Disagree
  • 3 - Neutral
  • 4 - Agree
  • 5 - Strongly Agree

Emotional and Impulsive Decision-Making Indicators:

1: I often make decisions quickly without considering all the possible consequences.(Required)
2: My decisions are often influenced by my current emotional state rather than logical analysis.(Required)
3: I frequently feel overwhelmed by emotions when making important decisions.(Required)
4: I tend to avoid making decisions because I fear making the wrong choice.(Required)
5: I notice that I regret my decisions shortly after making them.(Required)
6: I find it difficult to stick to my decisions and often change my mind.(Required)
7: I often seek immediate relief from stress or anxiety by making hasty decisions.(Required)

Next Section

Cognitively Driven Decision-Making Indicators:

8: I take time to gather all relevant information before making a decision.(Required)
9: I consider the long-term consequences of my decisions.(Required)
10: I seek advice from trusted individuals when faced with important decisions.(Required)
11: I feel confident in my ability to make rational and well-thought-out decisions.(Required)
12: I am able to separate my emotions from the decision-making process.(Required)
13: I review past decisions to learn from my mistakes and successes.(Required)
14: I use structured methods (e.g., pros and cons lists) to help make decisions.(Required)

Finish

Please Select Your Gender(Required)
Terms & Conditions(Required)

Emotional and Impulsive Decision-Making Score [Top Section]:

  • 7-14: Your decision-making is primarily cognitively driven.
  • 15-28: Your decision-making is balanced between emotional and cognitive influences.
  • 29-35: Your decision-making is primarily emotionally driven and impulsive.

Cognitively Driven Decision-Making Score [Bottom Section]:

  • 7-14: Your decision-making is primarily emotionally driven.
  • 15-28: Your decision-making is balanced between cognitive and emotional influences.
  • 29-35: Your decision-making is primarily cognitively driven.

Recommendations:

  • High Emotional and Impulsive Score: Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor to help manage emotional responses and develop strategies for more deliberate decision-making.
  • Balanced Score: Work on strengthening your cognitive decision-making skills while managing emotional influences.
  • High Cognitive Score: Maintain your structured approach but remain aware of your emotions to ensure they are also considered when appropriate.

Understanding and acknowledging your decision-making tendencies can help you develop healthier and more effective strategies for making decisions, especially after experiencing a traumatic scam.

Scam Victim Cognitive Decision Making Self-Test Copyright © 2024 SCARS

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Published On: August 7th, 2024Last Updated: August 9th, 2024Categories: • ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT PSYCHOLOGY, • RESEARCH STUDY, ♦ SELF-TESTS, 20240 CommentsTags: , , , , 226 words1.2 min readTotal Views: 762Daily Views: 7

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A Question of Trust

At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.

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On Other Articles

A Note About Labeling!

We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!

Statement About Victim Blaming

Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.

These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.

Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in these articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.

Also, please read our SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – here

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.

SCARS Institute Resources: