Discovering who you are and how you interact with the world is a powerful step toward personal growth. Many people search for the “Understand Myself” assessment to gain a clearer picture of their psychological makeup. This personality test is based on decades of scientific research and provides a detailed breakdown of your unique traits.
In this guide, we will explain what the assessment is, how it works, and what you can learn from your results. Whether you are looking to improve your career, your relationships, or your self-understanding, this tool offers actionable insights into your temperament.
What Is the Understand Myself Assessment?
The Understand Myself assessment is a personality test based on the Big Five Aspects Scale. It was developed by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson and his colleagues to provide a more granular look at personality than traditional tests. While many tests only measure five broad traits, this assessment breaks each trait down into two distinct aspects.
The Big Five model is widely considered the gold standard in modern psychology. It measures personality across five major dimensions: Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Openness to Experience. By analyzing these dimensions, the assessment helps you understand your natural tendencies and how they compare to the general population.
The Five Major Traits and Their Aspects
To get the most out of the assessment, it is helpful to understand the specific traits being measured. Each of the five traits is composed of two sub-traits, or “aspects,” which provide a more nuanced view of your personality.
1. Agreeableness
Agreeableness reflects your level of kindness, empathy, and cooperation. It is divided into two aspects: Compassion and Politeness.
- Compassion: This measures your tendency to feel the emotions of others and your interest in their well-being. High scorers are often very empathetic, while low scorers are more detached.
- Politeness: This measures your respect for authority and your desire to avoid conflict. Highly polite individuals are typically well-mannered and compliant, whereas low scorers may be more challenging or blunt.
2. Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness is a measure of your organization, reliability, and work ethic. It is divided into Industriousness and Orderliness.
- Industriousness: This aspect relates to your ability to work hard and stay focused on goals. People high in industriousness are often high achievers who dislike wasting time.
- Orderliness: This measures your preference for structure, schedules, and cleanliness. Highly orderly people like things to be in their proper place and may be sensitive to chaos or mess.
3. Extraversion
Extraversion measures your engagement with the social world and your sensitivity to positive emotions. It is divided into Enthusiasm and Assertiveness.
- Enthusiasm: This measures how much you enjoy social interaction and how easily you express excitement. Enthusiastic people are often outgoing and friendly.
- Assertiveness: This relates to your tendency to take charge and voice your opinions. Highly assertive people are often natural leaders who are comfortable in the spotlight.
4. Neuroticism
Neuroticism measures your sensitivity to negative emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, and anger. It is divided into Withdrawal and Volatility.
- Withdrawal: This aspect measures the tendency to feel overwhelmed or discouraged by life’s challenges. High scorers may experience more anxiety or self-doubt.
- Volatility: This relates to how easily you become irritated or upset. Highly volatile people may experience more frequent mood swings or emotional reactions to stress.
5. Openness to Experience
Openness measures your interest in new ideas, art, and intellectual pursuits. It is divided into Intellect and Openness.
- Intellect: This measures your interest in abstract ideas and complex problem-solving. It is not a measure of IQ, but rather a measure of how much you enjoy thinking deeply.
- Openness: This aspect measures your appreciation for beauty, creativity, and aesthetics. People high in openness are often drawn to the arts and have vivid imaginations.
How to Take the Assessment
Taking the assessment is a straightforward process that usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Follow these steps to ensure you get the most accurate results possible.
Step 1: Access the Official Platform
The assessment is hosted on a dedicated website where you can purchase a voucher to take the test. Once you have your access code, you can begin the questionnaire. Ensure you are in a quiet environment where you will not be interrupted.
Step 2: Answer Honestly
The test consists of a series of statements. You will be asked to rate how much you agree or disagree with each statement on a five-point scale. It is essential to answer based on how you actually behave and feel, rather than how you wish you were. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers.
Step 3: Review Your Report
After completing the questions, you will receive a detailed report. This report provides your percentile scores for all five traits and their ten aspects. A percentile score tells you where you stand relative to others. For example, a score in the 70th percentile means you are higher in that trait than 70% of the population.
Interpreting Your Results
When you receive your results, it is important to remember that personality traits are neutral. Every score has its own set of strengths and challenges. The goal of the assessment is not to judge you, but to provide you with a map of your natural temperament.
For instance, if you score high in Neuroticism, you may be more prone to stress, but you may also be more vigilant and aware of potential risks. If you score low in Agreeableness, you might find it easier to negotiate for yourself and make tough decisions that others might shy away from.
Using Results for Career Planning
Your personality profile can offer significant clues about which career paths might suit you best. People high in Conscientiousness often excel in structured environments like law or engineering. Those high in Openness and Extraversion may thrive in creative or social roles, such as marketing or the performing arts.
Improving Relationships
Understanding your personality can also improve your interpersonal dynamics. By knowing your scores, you can communicate your needs more effectively to partners, friends, and colleagues. It also helps you recognize that others may see the world through a completely different personality lens, fostering greater patience and empathy.
Final Tips for Success
To get the maximum value from your Understand Myself report, consider these final tips. First, treat the results as a starting point for reflection rather than a fixed identity. While personality is relatively stable, you can always develop new habits and strategies to balance your natural tendencies.
Second, consider sharing your results with someone you trust. Discussing your scores with a friend or mentor can provide additional perspective and help you identify areas where your self-perception matches—or differs from—how others see you.
Self-awareness is one of the most valuable tools you can possess. By taking the time to understand your personality through a validated scientific lens, you empower yourself to make better decisions and live a more intentional life. If you found this guide helpful, explore our other articles on personal development and psychological well-being to continue your journey of self-discovery.