What exactly is personality? We learn about the word at a very early age, and we use it a lot in everyday conversation, but the topic is actually complex. Scientists, specifically psychologists, have spent a long time trying to figure what a personality exactly is and how each person develops theirs. One way to figure this out is by taking a personality test.
Someone’s personality is a combination of characteristics and qualities that, when put together, form a person’s character. Psychology calls these traits. If someone asked you to list your personality traits, you’d most likely end up with a pretty long list. But some experts believe that every person has a ‘primary trait’ – a main characteristic that defines your general behavior and attitude. There are several tests, like the following picture, that are used to pinpoint a person’s primary trait.
This picture is known formally as a projective test – an exam which present situations, images, or words to someone in order to analyze their response. It’s used to determine certain aspects of their personality that they express unconsciously. This is a pretty simple one: a group of animal images stacked together. It is believed that the first animal you see is an expression of your primary personality trait. How about we find out what each one means?
It’s believed that if someone sees the wolf image first they’re typically a fearless and fierce person. They’re ready for anything life throws at them and they’re experts at handling tough situations. Even though they like the company of others, they tend to be a bit lonely on the inside. But some people might see the bright insect first….
If you saw this brightly colored praying mantis first, it means that you have a perceptive and patient personality. Your inner voice is powerful and it gives you a sense of purpose. Your decisions are typically based on a gut feeling, but your instincts seem to always be right because you rarely make poor decisions. Or maybe you saw the elegant horse….
For people that saw the stallion first, you may have an ambitious personality. These people are free-thinking, honest, and driven. They’re strongly motivated to succeed no matter what. They’re humble and hardworking, with strong morals and the will to fight for them. They always aim for their voice to be heard and they’re self-confident, but not cocky. But maybe you saw the beautiful butterfly…
If you spotted the butterfly first, it means you were born for change. You’re highly adaptable and flexible and you have no problem adapting to new environments. In order to achieve your goals and fulfill your needs you will make whatever changes necessary. Sometimes you’re a little reserved and shy, but with some patience and time, you will come out of your cocoon. But maybe you saw the little red crustacean…
People that see the shape of the crab first are typically extremely loyal. Just like this crab, these people seem tough on the outside but are actually considerate and kind on the inside. They will place the needs of those they love above their own. They look at disloyalty and untrustworthiness as the worst sins someone can commit. Perhaps you saw man’s best friend…
If you saw the dog first you are considered protective, selfless, and brave. People who have these primary traits are usually rare to come across. You love with every ounce of your being and experience joy more intensely than most people. Everyone who gets to know you cherishes you and loves you. Maybe you saw this flying predator…
People that see the eagle first typically have a personality that’s driven and focused. They are typically stubborn and refuse to change their mind once they’ve made a decision. They usually have tunnel-vision, and once they’ve chosen a goal they do whatever it takes to achieve it. They also tend to be a bit selfish, finding it hard to share with other people. You might have seen a different type of bird first…
If you saw the rooster first, you’re sure to be a person who perseveres. You are quick-witted, smart, and extremely persistent when it comes to achieving your goals. People may underestimate you, but you have a fierce spirit. You may be a pacifist, but that certainly doesn’t mean you let people walk all over you. You are more than willing to fight for what truly matters to you. Maybe you saw the white symbol of peace…
People that see the dove first tend to be wise souls. They’re patient, calm, and nurturing. They have an inner peace that few others can achieve. They typically see the positive in everything and have an easy time finding the silver lining in every situation. They’re not only hopeful, but they transmit hope, as well, shining their light bright for those that only see darkness. If you find that this test doesn’t describe your personality accurately, there are other tests that are widely practiced that could shed more light. Just like this next projective test.
The Rorschach test is well known to most people, but few truly understand how it works. The test was initially created by Hermann Rorschach in order to diagnose patients with schizophrenia. Ten different cards are shown to the subject, each one having a different inkblot on it. The subject is asked what they see in each image. Their perceptions are analyzed to examine their emotional function and their personality traits. There are other personality tests that are less abstract, just like this next one.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was created by Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers and is a questionnaire that was designed to establish how different people see the world and make decisions. People taking the test are assigned a combination of four letters which represent the four “types” – the dominant ways they perceive and decide. The MBTI is usually used by businesses to determine employees abilities. Other models believe there are five big personality tests.
Sir Francis Galton began researching personality traits in 1884. Throughout the decades, other psychologists continued studying personalities. A theory was produced that there are five broad dimensions that can determine relatively permanent and observable personality traits. The five-factor model became widely accepted by the 1980s. The model’s factors, known as the Big Five, are conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience. Some experts believe that there are actually nine main personality traits.
The Enneagram of Personality describes nine interconnected personality types within the human pysche. The model derives from the teachings of Oscar Ichazo, George Gurgjieff, and Claudio Naranjo, and it is represented on the points of a geometric shape known as enneagram. The nine personality types included in this are: Questioner, Adventurer, Protector, Perfectionist, Giver, Performer, Romantic, Observer, and Mediator. The model is used in spiritual and business setting in order to gain insight on interpersonal dynamics, as well as aid in self-development.