Psychological Tests Decoded: How to Interpret Your Results & Take Action

Categories:

Here’s a concise summary of interpretations and actionable steps for all the psychological tests we’ve covered, categorized by good vs. concerning results:

1. Big Five Personality Test

Good Results (Balanced Traits)

  • Openness/Conscientiousness/Agreeableness/Extraversion: High scores indicate strengths (creativity, reliability, empathy, sociability).
  • Neuroticism: Low scores = emotional stability.
    How to Improve:
  • Leverage strengths in careers/relationships.
  • Use high Conscientiousness for goal-setting, high Agreeableness for teamwork.

Concerning Results

  • Very Low Openness/Agreeableness: May struggle with flexibility or conflict.
  • High Neuroticism: Prone to stress/anxiety.
    How to Deal:
  • Practice mindfulness (for Neuroticism).
  • Challenge rigid thinking (low Openness) or empathy exercises (low Agreeableness).

2. VIA Character Strengths

Good Results (Strong Signature Strengths)

  • Top 5-7 strengths (e.g., Creativity, Kindness) are energizing.
    How to Improve:
  • Use strengths daily (e.g., apply Curiosity to learn new skills).

Concerning Results (Weaknesses)

3. Attachment Style Quiz

Good Results (Secure Attachment)

Concerning Results (Anxious/Avoidant/Fearful)

  • Anxious: Clinginess; Avoidant: Emotional distance.
    How to Deal:
  • Therapy (CBT, attachment-based).
  • Practice vulnerability (Avoidant) or self-soothing (Anxious).

4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Test

Good Results (High EQ)

  • Strong self-awareness, empathy, social skills.
    How to Improve:
  • Use empathy to lead teams or mediate conflicts.

Concerning Results (Low EQ)

  • Poor emotion regulation or social missteps.
    How to Deal:
  • Journal feelings (improve self-awareness).
  • Active listening drills (for empathy).

5. Enneagram Test

Good Results (Healthy Type Traits)

  • E.g., Type 2’s generosity, Type 5’s wisdom.
    How to Improve:
  • Use growth paths (e.g., Type 3 channels ambition into mentoring).

Concerning Results (Unhealthy Traits)

  • E.g., Type 4’s self-isolation, Type 8’s aggression.
    How to Deal:
  • Stress-management techniques.
  • Integrate wing types (e.g., 4w5 uses logic to balance emotions).

6. PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale)

Good Results (Low Stress: 0–13)

  • Effective coping skills.
    How to Improve:
  • Maintain routines (sleep, exercise).

Concerning Results (High Stress: 27–40)

7. GAD-7 (Anxiety)

Good Results (0–4)

  • Minimal anxiety.
    How to Improve:
  • Preventative habits (e.g., mindfulness).

Concerning Results (15–21)

  • Severe anxiety.
    How to Deal:
  • Therapy (CBT), limit caffeine, crisis support if suicidal.

8. PHQ-9 (Depression)

Good Results (0–4)

  • No depression signs.
    How to Improve:
  • Sustain social connections.

Concerning Results (20–27)

  • Severe depression.
    How to Deal:
  • Urgent therapy/medication evaluation.

9. WHO-5 (Well-Being)

Good Results (80–100%)

  • High life satisfaction.
    How to Improve:
  • Share strategies with others.

Concerning Results (0–50%)

10. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

Good Results (26–40)

  • Strong self-worth.
    How to Improve:
  • Mentor others.

Concerning Results (10–15)

11. 16 Personalities (MBTI)

Good Results (Clear Type Strengths)

  • E.g., ENTJ’s leadership, ISFJ’s supportiveness.
    How to Improve:
  • Align careers with type (e.g., INFP in creative fields).

Concerning Results (Extreme Traits)

  • E.g., INFJ burnout from over-idealism.
    How to Deal:
  • Balance with shadow functions (e.g., INFJs practice pragmatism).

General Tips for All Tests

  • Good Results: Maximize strengths, mentor others.
  • Concerning Results:
    • Seek therapy if scores are severe (GAD-7 ≥15, PHQ-9 ≥20).
    • Pair tests (e.g., low WHO-5 + high PHQ-9 = depression risk).
    • Track progress with retests every 2–4 weeks.