Here’s how to “measure” your personality

Have you ever wondered why you act a certain way or feel certain emotions in specific situations? Exploring your personality is a key step to better understanding yourself, but the tools available are often time-consuming and technical.

A study published in the journalAmerican Psychological Association offers a concise and accessible test that highlights the fundamental traits of your personality, without losing reliability.

Why measure your personality?

Personality influences many aspects of our lives: relationships, work, decision-making, or management of emotions. However, measuring it objectively remains a challenge. Many online tests promise quick answers, but their reliability is often questionable.

As for famous tests like the Big Five model, they sometimes ask hundreds of questions, which can be discouraging.

A simplified but precise method

Researchers at the University of Alabama have developed a simpler and more effective tool called Hogan Personality Content Single-Items (HPCS). This test is based on 74 direct questions that examine the fundamental traits of your personality.

Unlike other approaches, each question is clear and transparent, such as: “Do you like interacting with people?” or “Are you often anxious?”

Why is it effective?

Researchers have found that this format reduces common biases of long tests. By focusing on simple questions, they avoid confusion caused by complex or repetitive wording.

Furthermore, HPCS results closely align with traditional tests, proving their reliability.

How to use it?

This test can be a starting point to better understand your strengths and areas for improvement. For example, if you find yourself particularly anxious, this may encourage you to explore stress management techniques.

Likewise, a high score in creativity could motivate you to develop artistic or innovative projects.