How You Can Use A Free Personality Test
According to the American Psychological Association, personality is “the enduring configuration of characteristics and behavior that comprises an individual’s unique adjustment to life, including major traits, interests, drives, values, self-concept, abilities, and emotional patterns.” Our personalities help shape who we are, often playing a significant role in determining our interests, actions, and career decisions. Because of the extensive influence of your personality, a better understanding of it may provide you with insights that help you make fulfilling choices in multiple areas of life, from academics and career to love and friendship.
Below, we’re going to discuss personality tests you can take for free and how they may help you personally and professionally.
Common personality tests
There are many different personality tests available, and some of the most well-known include the options listed below.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
One of the most well-known personality tests, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator has four distinct personality categories, with two subtypes within each category. In all, there are 16 possible combinations of personality types. The categories, along with their subcategories, are listed below:
- Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)
- Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
- Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
- Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
To take the official MBTI, you likely have to pay a fee at www.mbtionline.com. However, you can find an online personality test based on the MBTI through Truity.
Enneagram test
The Enneagram test provides individuals with one of nine personality types based on questions regarding fears, motivations, communication type, and a variety of other characteristics. Research suggests that this personality test may lead to growth in participants’ personal and spiritual lives. There are several outlets that offer free Enneagram tests, including Truity, which asks a series of questions to help determine your personality type.
The Big Five
One of the most well-researched inventories, the Big Five measures personality across five different traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, which might be remembered by the acronym OCEAN. When taking a Big Five test, you’ll likely answer questions centered on how you process emotions, solve problems, and interact with others. A test that measures the Big Five traits may help test takers better understand their learning style, how they develop relationships, and even the ways they manage money. You can take a free Big Five-based personality test online through Truity.
How free personality tests may benefit you
Beyond providing a better understanding of your qualities, motivations, and interests, personality tests may help you build healthy relationships, develop a successful career, and perform well academically. The following are some potential benefits of free personality tests in different aspects of life.
In personal relationships
Understanding who you are as an individual may influence how you interact with those who are closest to you. The self-directedness that often accompanies an understanding of your personality may help you communicate better with friends and family. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses may also be helpful in a partnership.
In the classroom
Students who have a more developed sense of who they are may become more invested in their education. Taking a personality test may help students develop a better understanding of what to major in at the undergraduate level. For example, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) may help elucidate what specific area a student may be most successful in, whether it be medicine, education, business, law, etc.
Also, teachers at all levels may effectively use free personality tests within their classrooms and throughout their curriculum to allow students to discover who they are. They can take the results of the personality tests into consideration as they work toward effective classroom management, which can be a challenge for even the most experienced teachers. Teachers may be able to use personality information to tailor instruction and help foster a productive learning environment.
In the workplace
Performing a job in an industry you aren’t interested in or filling a role that does not suit your abilities can be frustrating. Your personality can play a significant part in determining which career path might be the most fulfilling for you. Taking a free career personality test may help you find out more about the different facets of your personality that apply to certain job skills. For example, if you know that you’re passionate about the environment and you have strong writing skills, becoming a journalist who specializes in climate policy might be a fulfilling choice. In addition to your aptitudes and interests, there are several other aspects of personality that may indicate a good career choice for you, including the way you communicate, whether you work well in teams, and how you solve problems.
For those who want to use personality tests to illuminate their ideal career path, tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Enneagram test may be helpful. Some free tests may even provide you with a section that discusses common jobs for the different personality types. After getting your results, you may find that you are well suited for a career that you’d never even considered before.
In addition to personal use, personality assessments have been used for decades to help managers make personnel decisions. The personality traits are considered instructive for employers who want to use personality tests to evaluate candidates for specific positions, such as customer-facing positions or management roles.
For personal growth
In additional to the above reasons for utilizing a free personality test, you might also take one to help improve your overall well-being. Knowing more about your personality may help you better manage your emotions and understand what tends to make you feel fulfilled. A personality test may also provide greater self-awareness, which may lead to more self-control. For example, through a free personality test, you may find that you are more empathetic than you realize, which means that other people’s feelings may affect you easily. Knowing this, you may benefit from avoiding situations in which strong emotions could overwhelm you.
A personality test may also help you determine how much socializing is optimal for you. People who are extroverted often feel energized when they spend time around others, while those who are introverted often feel happiest when they are able to spend time on their own. Depending on the questions a specific test asks, you might gain insight into the best way for you to organize your time, practice self-care, and get things done.
Understanding personality with online therapy
For further support and advice regarding your personality, it may help to speak with a licensed therapist. They may be able to help you interpret the results of a personality test and use it to make decisions that lead to greater personal fulfillment. If you don’t have time for traditional in-office therapy, you may benefit from online therapy, which many studies have demonstrated to be just as effective as in-person therapy.
In one study, for example, researchers studied the use of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and changes in personality dimensions. They found that participants who participated in ICBT experienced a reduction in depression, which researchers believe helped with the personality dimensions of harm avoidance and self-directedness.
Online therapy may help you better understand your personality and how it can contribute to your mental wellness. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can be matched with a licensed therapist who has experience with personality tests. You can communicate with your therapist via live chat, phone, video chat, or in-app messaging at a time that works for you.
Takeaway
A personality test may provide you with insight into how you think, feel, and behave, in addition to helping you understand your motivations, likes, dislikes, and aptitudes. There are a variety of free personality tests that can measure different traits and help you on your path to self-discovery.
If you would like further help exploring your personality, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist online. BetterHelp has a network of more than 25,000 licensed therapists, so you can choose a therapist who has knowledge of personality tests and personality theory. Take the first step to learning more about yourself and reach out to BetterHelp today.
Are any Enneagram tests free?
There are a number of sources where one can find a free Enneagram test, including through Truity. The types of tests that are offered by these websites can ask a variety of questions and may have different methods for evaluating your answers. In addition, some websites may offer an Enneagram personality test for free but ask for an additional fee for analysis or a full report relating to your results. In these instances, It can be important to ensure a website is secure before entering any personal information or downloading a potential report, as this may help individuals avoid being scammed.
What is the most accurate Enneagram?
It may be difficult to determine which Enneagram test is the most accurate, largely because there is limited research relating to this personality typology. In some cases, a poorly created test may give someone the wrong Enneagram or different results when retaken. However, one of the more popular sources of the Enneagram test is the Enneagram Institute, which was created to research and develop the Enneagram in order to help individuals further explore their own personalities. The Enneagram Institute’s website provides their newest version of the Enneagram, the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator or RHETI, though there is no guarantee that this test is more accurate than other forms of the Enneagram.
What is the rarest Enneagram score?
The rarity of different enneagram scores can vary based on who is administering the test and where a person sources their statistics. There also may not be an official Enneagram test or organization that is recognized as the owner of this type of personality assessment, which could make finding a reliable source more difficult. In general, it is difficult to find studies or research utilizing a large population sample in regard to Enneagram-type percentages. However, some organizations like Truity estimate that Type 7 is the rarest, representing 9% of the p
What is the rarest Enneagram type for females?
While it can be difficult to find exact estimates relating to the rarest enneagram type for females, some believe that Type 5 is the rarest for either gender. However, some sources like Truity have chosen to poll their own readers to see which type is the rarest. According to their survey of over 54,000, Truity found that Type 7 is the rarest, totaling 9% of their total participants, with Type 5 being a close second. While these types may be rare, they can also share qualities in common. For example, Type 5’s and 7’s are both often concerned with their own inner world, which may make them prone to independent thought.
What is the most misunderstood Enneagram type?
While each Enneagram type may deal with misunderstandings or interpersonal difficulties, one of the most misunderstood types could be Type 8. Known as “The Challengers'', Type 8 personalities tend to prefer working on their own and may display stubborn behavior. They can also be passionate and generally driven when it comes to their daily tasks or long-term objectives. Because of their tendency to become intensely focused on their goals, Type 8’s may intimidate others or otherwise develop a negative reputation.
What is the most common Enneagram personality?
While estimates vary, one of the most common Enneagram personality types may be Type 9. Known as “The Peacemaker,” Type 9 personalities tend to have a kind and gentle presence, offering support to loved ones and forming strong, healthy relationships. Type 9’s can be conflict-averse, preferring to diffuse tension and restore harmony to a situation as quickly as possible. They can be optimistic and non-judgemental of others, while also being able to adapt quickly to new environments. In addition, Type 9’s can have a high capacity for creativity, which may make them well-suited for careers in writing, graphic design, or other creative fields.
Which Enneagram is smartest?
While the idea of intelligence is complex and any individual may possess certain kinds of intelligence, in many cases, Enneagram Type 5’s are considered by some to be the smartest of the nine types. Type 5’s are often independent workers and thinkers, innovating their own solutions to problems and developing new ways to look at the world. These individuals are also curious about their environment, carefully analyzing their surroundings and taking in all the information they can before making a decision. In addition, their core motivations often involve being competent in the tasks they perform, which can drive them to constantly search for new knowledge or ways to learn.
What is the most likable Enneagram type?
One Enneagram type that may be viewed as the most likable is Type 9. Also known as “The Peacemaker,” Type 9’s are often agreeable and averse to conflict. As a result, they may seek to resolve any disagreements in an efficient and harmonious manner. Type 9’s can also be sympathetic and empathetic, typically considering the perspectives and needs of others before their own. They are adept at seeing both sides of an issue and trying to find a solution that works for all parties. Because they can easily form interpersonal relationships and network, Type 9’s may be able to achieve great things in their chosen field by utilizing their connections.
What is the hardest working Enneagram?
While several Enneagram types may be hard workers, the hardest working types may be Type One’s. This personality type is known for being honest, taking responsibility, and placing importance on work over recreation. In addition, Type One’s often lean towards perfectionism, which can lead them to work harder in order to reach lofty (and sometimes unreasonable) standards. In addition, Type One’s can be particularly self-critical, which may cause them to constantly strive for positive self-improvement.
What is the best site for an Enneagram test?
While the best test site may be a matter of opinion and vary from person to person, one place to take the Enneagram test is the Enneagram Institute. This site provides an up-to-date version of the Enneagram known as the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator or RHETI. This test contains 144 paired statements that are designed to help determine a person's Enneagram type. The Enneagram Institute claims that this test is the “most popular Enneagram-based test” in the world. In addition, they state that individuals who complete the test will be provided with a full personality profile across all nine Enneagram types.
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