⚠ Educational Use Only — The CAT-PD: Domineering is a self-reflection worksheet for academic and research purposes only. It does not provide a formal assessment result, professional evaluation, or any form of recommendation. If you have concerns, please consult a qualified professional.
6 Research Items
1–5 Likert Scale
≥3 Baseline Avg
~2m Est. Time

Domineering: Academic Baseline Profiler

The Domineering subscale of the CAT-PD-SF battery provides a 6-item academic instrument measuring trait-level patterns of power-seeking, interpersonal control, and authoritative behavioral orientation. Developed by Simms and colleagues (2011), it profiles the dispositional tenden...

For each statement, select the response that best describes your typical patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior. There are no right or wrong answers — accurate, honest responses produce the most academically useful baseline data.

1 of 6 CAT-PD: Domineering

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Academic Profile
Average item score (1–5 scale) · CAT-PD: Domineering

Profile Interpretation

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Academic Citation

Simms, L. J., Goldberg, L. R., Roberts, J. E., Watson, D., Welte, J., & Rotterman, J. H. (2011). Computerized adaptive assessment of personality disorder: Introducing the CAT–PD project. Journal of Personality Assessment, 93(4), 380–389. doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2011.577475

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The Academic Science Behind the CAT-PD: Domineering

The Domineering subscale of the CAT-PD-SF battery provides a 6-item academic instrument measuring trait-level patterns of power-seeking, interpersonal control, and authoritative behavioral orientation. Developed by Simms and colleagues (2011), it profiles the dispositional tendency to direct and command others.

Research Framework and Construct Validity

Domineering, within the CAT-PD framework, reflects a stable personality trait characterized by a strong need to influence, control, and direct others. It is distinguished from assertiveness by its coercive quality—insisting on compliance rather than expressing preferences cooperatively.

Comparison: CAT-PD: Domineering vs. Dominance Scale (California Psychological Inventory)
Feature CAT-PD-DOM Dominance Scale (California Psychological Inventory)
Core Construct Domineering trait profiling Closely related construct
Number of Items 6 items Varies by version
Primary Use Case Academic personality baseline Research and structured evaluation
Scoring Method 1–5 Likert average Scale-specific method
Framework CAT-PD personality research battery Independent academic instrument

Understanding Your Score Range

The 6-item scale yields an average from 1 to 5. Scores above 3.0 indicate above-average domineering trait patterns. No reverse-keyed items are present, simplifying the scoring algorithm. Internal reliability: α = .83 community, α = .84 patient.

Academic Utility and Research Applications

Academic researchers examine domineering scores alongside grandiosity and callousness to study antagonistic personality trait clusters and their relationship to leadership style, interpersonal conflict, and group dynamics in educational research.

Educational Results Interpretation

Higher scores reflect stronger power-seeking and controlling interpersonal orientation. Lower scores indicate more collaborative, non-dominant interaction patterns as research baseline characteristics. This engine is provided for academic self-reflection and research purposes only. Results constitute educational data points and not evaluative conclusions. Participants are always encouraged to consult a qualified professional for comprehensive structural review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the CAT-PD Domineering scale measure?

The Domineering scale measures the stable personality tendency to seek power over others, insist on compliance, and maintain control of interpersonal situations. It is not measuring confidence or leadership — it is specifically mapping the coercive end of interpersonal influence, where others' autonomy becomes a source of friction rather than a resource.

How is the Domineering score calculated?

All six items are rated 1–5 with no reverse-keyed items. The item average is your score. A higher average reflects a stronger power-seeking and controlling interpersonal orientation as a research personality baseline.

Is being domineering the same as being a strong leader?

This is a really important distinction. Academic research consistently separates domineering — which involves compliance-seeking and control — from effective leadership, which integrates collaborative influence, listening, and empowerment of others. High domineering scores are sometimes associated with short-term compliance but long-term relationship erosion. The most powerful leaders tend to score in the moderate range on this dimension.

How does Domineering relate to Grandiosity in the CAT-PD battery?

Both fall within the antagonistic trait domain. Grandiosity captures the cognitive dimension — believing you are superior and entitled. Domineering captures the behavioural dimension — insisting others follow your direction. They often co-occur and together form what researchers call the antagonism trait cluster, studied in relation to leadership, conflict, and interpersonal functioning.

Does this profile replace a formal professional evaluation?

No. This is an educational self-reflection worksheet providing a research baseline only. It does not generate personalised recommendations or formal conclusions. If this profile prompts useful reflection, a qualified professional can help you explore it further.