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Susceptibility to Manipulation Scale (VM-16)3

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

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

29,902 views

3,658 completions

3,024 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

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.

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Vulnerability to Manipulation (VtM)

Average

23.4

Normal range

18.1 — 28.7

min.

max.

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Example Questions From the Test

- Help the child succeed in life
- Bring fame to the family name
- I am unsure
- I would give advice.
- I would avoid giving advice.
- I would decide depending on the circumstances.
- Give advice.
- Avoid giving advice.
- Decide depending on the circumstances.

These are 3 of the 16 real questions — the rest appear in the test. No sign-up needed to start.

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WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Vulnerability to Manipulation, VM-16 Test

Susceptibility to Manipulation Scale (VM-16) Test - Symptoms and Signs

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.