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Susceptibility to Manipulation Scale (VM-16)

Susceptibility to Manipulation Scale (VM-16) Test

See how easily others can sway your choices and boundaries in about 3 minutes. Get a fast, research-based snapshot to build sharper judgment, stronger limits, and healthier work and personal dynamics.

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Questions: 163 minutes

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08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

26689 views

3202 completions

2792 likes

Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score

13/32

Susceptibility to Manipulation (StM)

Measures how susceptible a person is to being influenced by others through manipulative tactics in interpersonal situations.

Low vulnerability

Moderate vulnerability

High vulnerability

0 – 12: Low vulnerability | 13 – 24: Moderate vulnerability | 25 – 32: High vulnerability

A score of 13 falls in the Moderate vulnerability range, suggesting occasional susceptibility to manipulation while still showing some resistance in many situations.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

People with boundary issues

41%OF USERS

They often feel pressured to say yes, struggle to refuse requests, and want to see how easy it is for others to influence them.

Workplace conflict navigators

34%OF USERS

They deal with office politics or difficult colleagues and want to know how susceptible they are to subtle pressure and persuasion.

Self-growth and dating seekers

25%OF USERS

They want to spot manipulation in friendships or romantic relationships and build stronger emotional resilience.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

What You’ll See After You Finish the Test

Scale Results
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Key patterns you might not notice on your own. Surfacing subtle connections in your responses that help you better understand what may be driving your current results.

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Used in 52+ countries

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you finish the test, your results will be compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of the benchmarks we use to place your score in context.

Vulnerability to Manipulation (VtM)

Average

23.4

Normal range

18.1 — 28.7

min.

max.

majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear here so you can see where you land.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions left?

What does this questionnaire measure?

It estimates susceptibility to manipulation tactics in interpersonal situations. It focuses on common psychological influence strategies and typical responses to them.

How long does it take and how many items are included?

It usually takes about 3 minutes to complete. It includes 16 items.

How should responses be selected?

Select the option that best matches typical behavior, not an ideal response. Answer all items without spending too long on any single question.

How are the results interpreted?

Scores reflect a relative level of vulnerability, from lower to higher. Results indicate areas where boundary-setting, critical evaluation, or emotional regulation may need strengthening.

Can the results be used for clinical diagnosis or employment decisions?

No; the questionnaire is a screening and self-awareness tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Results should be interpreted with other information and, when needed, a qualified professional review.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Vulnerability to Manipulation, VM-16 Test

Susceptibility to Manipulation Scale (VM-16) Test

manipulations suggestibility

This instrument is designed to assess individual differences in vulnerability to interpersonal influence and related self-protective tendencies. The Susceptibility to Manipulation Scale (VM-16) uses a brief self-report format to support screening and baseline characterization in clinical, counseling, and organizational contexts.

Developed by Paulhus, D. L., and Christie, R., it contains 16 items and typically requires about 3 minutes to complete. Scores from the Susceptibility to Manipulation Scale (VM-16) should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical interview data and other validated measures, with attention to response style and situational factors that may affect self-report.

Author: Christie, R., Paulhus, D. L.

Literature: Christie, R., & Geis, F. L. Studies in Machiavellianism. Academic Press. 1970.; Cialdini, R. B. Influence: Science and practice. HarperCollins. 2009.; Briñol, P., & Petty, R. E. Persuasion: Insights from the self-validation hypothesis. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology. 2009.

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