Personality Assessments

Of the variety of psychological tests available, personality assessments are some of the most valuable to researchers, clinicians and employers. They can be especially helpful in determining particular characteristics and traits about a person in order to better understand them. When one has insight into the personality of others with whom they are communicating, better discussions can ensue as well as long-lasting relationships. If we can understand how one perceives and acts based on his or her personality, we can then facilitate a better treatment plan as well.

FRN employs the use of personality assessments in our treatment plans so our clinicians and therapists can most appropriately assist an individual. We are proud to note that our professionals use specialized and proven testing in developing our recovery plans for our patients. To learn more about the types of personality assessments available, read on.

Types of Personality Evaluations

According to the American Psychological Association, personality testing involves the administration and interpretation of “empirically supported measures of personality traits and styles.” These tests are specifically designed to identify particular characteristics of one’s personality as well as an overall picture of the person. Popular tests like the Rorschach Inkblot test and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) are two such assessments that can benefit the psychologist and the individual. Others include:

• Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This assessment may perhaps be the most notable and widely used instrument for personality testing. This is often performed by employers for matching employees to certain departments or teams. According to the Myers & Briggs Foundation, this test helps to better understand and make useful the theories developed by C. G. Jung. It breaks up people into 16 distinct personality types based on eight identifiable traits:

○      Extraversion or Introversion (E or I)

○      Sensing or Intuition (S or I)

○      Thinking or Feeling (T or F)

○      Judging or Perceiving (J or P)

By asking a series of questions and assigning these values to responses, psychologists can then assign one of the 16 groups to a person. This is not only proven to be reliable and valid, but it also can help us appreciate our differences and better relate to one another.

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). The TAT is administered generally to persons over 4 years of age and provides insight into a person’s underlying thoughts, viewpoints, emotions, wants, and needs. This works on both a subconscious and conscious level, as individuals are asked to make up stories about figures they are shown. The test can last up to 200 minutes over two sessions.

• Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2). Over a range of true-or-false questions, a psychologist can assess underlying psychopathy and personality traits of a person. The 90-minute test can help to diagnose a person with a mental disorder and better assist doctors in developing treatment or recovery plans, especially if a person suffers from co-occurring disorders. The MMPI-2 evaluates certain traits like:

○      Social introversion

○      Hypochondriasis

○      Depression

○      Hysteria

○      Psychopathic deviations

○      Masculinity or femininity

○      Paranoia

○      Phobias, obsessions or anxiety

These are only a few of the personality assessments available. Particularly if you are affected by a mental illness, substance abuse problem or both, these personality assessments can prove absolutely beneficial to your well-being. The experts at FRN can help determine if any underlying mental health concerns are cause for certain actions and, by doing so, can develop a recovery plan that is best matched for you. Call us today to learn more about these options.