• Self-Assessment Tests on the 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-assessment 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. Take a copy of your results with you for your session to show your therapist as well.

Empathic Impairment Self-Assessment Test For Scam Victims

Scam Victim Empathic Impairment Self-Assessment Test

A self-assessment test designed for scam victims to help determine if they may have been traumatized because of the scam:

Instructions:

Read each statement and select the response that best reflects or that you agree with 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

Self-Assessment Test: Evaluating Psychological Trauma Induced Empathic Impairment Post-Scam

Empathic impairment Indicators:

Section 1: Emotional Response to Others

1: I find it difficult to feel concern for others' problems.(Required)
2: When someone shares their emotional struggles with me, I feel indifferent or detached.(Required)
3: I have noticed that I am less patient or compassionate with others than I used to be.(Required)
4: I feel overwhelmed when others express their emotions, and I try to avoid these situations.(Required)
5: I often think that others should be able to handle their issues on their own, without my help.(Required)

Section 2: Judgmental Attitudes

6: I find myself thinking that others’ problems are trivial compared to what I’ve gone through.(Required)
7: I am quick to judge others for not being able to cope with their difficulties.(Required)
8: I believe that if I can survive my trauma, others should be able to deal with their issues too.(Required)
9: I get frustrated when people seem overly emotional about situations I consider minor.(Required)
10: I struggle to offer support because I feel that others are not trying hard enough to solve their problems.(Required)

Section 3: Interaction with Loved Ones

11: I have difficulty connecting emotionally with my spouse/partner or children.(Required)
12: I feel disconnected from my family and find it hard to empathize with their emotions.(Required)
13: My relationships have become strained because I am less understanding of others' feelings.(Required)
14: I avoid emotionally charged discussions with family members because I don’t want to deal with their emotions.(Required)
15: I feel that my loved ones don’t appreciate the depth of my suffering, so I am less inclined to empathize with theirs.(Required)

Section 4: Self-Perception and Self-Focus

16: I am more focused on my own pain and suffering than on the needs of others.(Required)
17: I believe that my trauma is more significant than others', which justifies my lack of empathy.(Required)
18: I struggle to see the value in offering emotional support when I feel so overwhelmed myself.(Required)
19: I often feel that I am justified in being self-focused because of what I’ve been through.(Required)
20: I notice that I have become more self-centered and less concerned with others' well-being.(Required)

Section 5: General Empathic Abilities

21: I used to be more compassionate, but I feel that my empathy has diminished over time.(Required)
22: I find it challenging to put myself in someone else’s shoes, especially after my traumatic experience.(Required)
23: I avoid social situations where I might be expected to offer emotional support.(Required)
24: I feel guilty for not being as empathetic as I used to be, but I don’t know how to change it.(Required)
25: I worry that I have lost the ability to care deeply about others' feelings.(Required)

Your Score

Finish

Please Select Your Gender(Required)
Terms & Conditions(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Scoring Your Self-Assessment:

Total Score: Add up the scores for each section.

Interpretation:

    • 25-50: Low likelihood of empathic impairment.
    • 51-75: Moderate likelihood of empathic impairment; some signs may be present.
    • 76-100: High likelihood of empathic impairment; it may be affecting your relationships and daily life.
    • 101-125: Very high likelihood of empathic impairment; you may be experiencing significant challenges in empathizing with others and should consider seeking professional support.

Next Steps:

If your score suggests a moderate to very high likelihood of empathic impairment, it would be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional who can assist you in processing your trauma and rebuilding your empathic abilities. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward healing and restoring your capacity for empathy.

Reflection:

Regardless of your score, remember that experiencing trauma after being scammed is common. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and seek support. Consulting with a mental health professional can help you process your experiences and develop coping strategies.

Find a counselor or therapist here: counseling.AgainstScams.org

Empathic Impairment Self-Assessment Test Copyright © 2024 SCARS
Published On: August 22nd, 2024Last Updated: August 22nd, 2024Categories: • ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT PSYCHOLOGY, • RESEARCH STUDY, ♦ SELF-TESTS, 20240 CommentsTags: , , , , , 261 words1.3 min readTotal Views: 677Daily Views: 1

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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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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: