Personality testing (such as MBTI, Enneagram, DISC, etc.) has become a common tool for contemporary people to explore themselves. From social platforms to workplace training, and even love pairing, different types of personality tests are everywhere. So, what psychological motivations are those who are keen on doing personality tests? Is it just 'fun'?
This article will analyze in-depth 7 common psychological needs of people paying attention to personality tests from the perspective of psychology and behavioral motivation, and explore the deep reasons behind them.
PsycTest Quiz official website (psychtest.cn) provides a large number of free personality tests for users who are following personality tests, and there is no need to register for completely free. People who pay attention to personality tests often have some clear psychological motivations, not just 'curiosity'. From a psychological and behavioral motivation perspective, we usually have the following psychological characteristics or needs:
1. The need for self-exploration
Many people do personality tests out of curiosity and exploration of themselves, want to know themselves , and want to know “What kind of person am I?”
This type of person usually has a certain self-reflection ability and wants to understand their thinking patterns, behavioral tendencies and internal motivations.
Common psychological sentences :
- 'Why do I always think so?'
- 'Is it true that others say I'm emotional?'
- 'What career is suitable for me?'
The motivation behind it : the desire to understand oneself more deeply, reflect on behavioral patterns, and want to know 'who am I'.
2. Seeking identification and belonging
Labeled results of personality tests (such as ' INTJ ' and ' fashionable personality ') can give people a sense of security that is understood and classified.
Many people feel a strong sense of understanding and belonging when they come up with personality test results. Testing provides an acceptable label that will prevent people from feeling isolated. They may often feel blurred, isolated or misunderstood in their lives, and the test results are like a psychological backer:
'So I'm not surprised, I'm just INFP .'
The motivation behind it : Use personality labels as a 'psychological shelter', use 'labels' to gain a sense of security , and alleviate loneliness and identification anxiety.
3. Social anxiety or confusion about relationships
Some people use personality tests to try to resolve doubts or conflicts in interpersonal relationships:
- 'Why can't I always get along with my colleagues?'
- “Am I not good at socializing?”
- “Am I not suitable to get along with extroverts?”
- 'My partner and I always have a disagreement in communication. Is it because of my disagreement?'
- 'Do I don't know how to make friends?'
Character testing for them is a tool for understanding their own differences with others, which can relieve social anxiety and even serve as a basis for 'self-judgment.' Character tests can help people explain conflicts, reduce their sense of self-blame , and provide guidance for adjusting interpersonal strategies .
The motivation behind it : I hope to find the root cause of interpersonal problems from personality differences and avoid emotional frustration.
4. Want to control uncontrollable sources of anxiety
Character tests provide a sense of control:
- Life is full of uncertainty, but the test results are clear;
- Emotions and behaviors are hard to predict, but the test tells you “that’s the person you are”;
This structured information allows anxious people to gain temporary psychological certainty, which is a bit like using zodiac signs and tarots to comfort the uneasy.
Structured results of personality tests (such as 'You are INTP type ') are essentially a psychological stability anchor. For those who tend to be anxious , this 'clear label' can bring a temporary sense of certainty.
The motivation behind it : Use certain information to alleviate the vague fear of oneself, the future or the world.
5. Career development confusion
In the workplace, many people search for career directions through MBTI , Holland and other tests, especially college students, those who have just joined or are preparing to change careers:
- 'Am I suitable to be a programmer?'
- 'Am I not suitable to deal with people?'
Career personality test results are often used as auxiliary reference for career decision-making here.
Common scenarios:
- Students' MBTI test before filling out their application
- Encountered with DISC test during interview
- Team analysis using enneagrams in the workplace
While testing can't decide everything, it provides an entry point to analyze strengths and weaknesses.
The motivation behind it : Use the personality matching model to help you make more directional career choices .
6. Self-diagnosis impulse in people with mild personality distress
Some followers try to understand their 'abnormalities' because they have a long-term psychological symptoms, such as:
- 'Am I a borderline personality ?'
- 'Do I have a pleasing personality ?'
- 'Do I have social phobia ?'
They may not necessarily go to psychological counseling, but try 'self-diagnosis' or 'labeling' through personality tests, but it should be noted that personality tests ≠ psychological diagnostic tools.
The motivation behind it : Use test tags to find explanations for emotional problems, but it is easy to over-interpret.
7. Play and curiosity
Of course, there is also some of them purely curiosity, entertainment, and social sharing. They love to post on WeChat Moments, share results, and forward interesting personality types charts, more for social interaction, rather than gaining insight into themselves:
- 'Come and test which movie/animation character you are!'
- 'Let me see what kind of love personality I have~'
- 'See if we are a perfect match for couples '
These users do not take the test results seriously, but sharing and discussing these test results has become a bridge of social interaction.
The motivation behind it : Use fun tests as social currency to create interactive topics.
Summarize:
People who pay attention to personality tests generally have one or more of the following psychological characteristics:
| Psychological motivation | Expression form |
|---|---|
| Self-exploration | Want to understand inner personality and emotional motivation |
| Seek recognition | Hope to find a sense of belonging to 'tag' |
| Social confusion | Want to improve relationships and alleviate misunderstandings |
| Anxiety relief | Desire structured, clear message comfort |
| Career confusion | Find directions and confirm your own strengths |
| Self-diagnosis | Try to understand your own psychological problems |
| Entertainment sharing | Social interaction, easy decompression |
What kind of motivation are you?
Whatever your personality test is, it is important to:
Personality testing is just a tool, understanding is the key.
If you want to gain more in-depth self-awareness and life improvement from personality tests, you might as well try these free, professional psychological assessment tools:
👉Click here to conduct a personality test now>>
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