Over the last few weeks in lockdown, you must have worked really hard and cleared all the “pending” tasks and by now your daily “Things to do” list must be getting shorter by day. A friend confessed recently, “I am running out of things to clean.” Although you may be running out of things to do, the stubborn lockdown is showing no sign of running away yet. So here you are sitting in isolation, socially distancing yourself from friends and folks, left on your own with your own self. 

How you are reacting to the present predicament could have some deeper connections to your personality traits. Whether you are relaxed or worried, whether you are creating or complaining, all this could not just be a result of the pandemic but it could have a lot to do with your personality as well. To understand personality and personality traits, many psychologists and researchers over the years have promulgated many theories. One such widely popular personality theory is called the Big Five Personality Trait theory – you can read more about it here BIG 5 PERSONALITY TRAITS.

As a result of such personality trait theories, many tests have surfaced over the years. You can find a range of these online, some free and some not, and test yourself to unlock your personality. However, you must be wary of the test that you want to pick. 

How to choose the right personality test for yourself?

1. First and foremost, it is important to find out the theory behind the available test. Most personality tests are based on the Big Five theory mentioned above. 
2. Next is to understand why you want to take a personality test. Is it because you want to be better at your relationship? Do you want a career that you can flourish in? Once your motive is clear, it will be easier for you to narrow down the right test for yourself.
3. Finally, you must select the test that has got validation. Every test available online may not have the Reliability and Validity prescribed for a psychometric test. Therefore, before you take any test online, check it for validity.

16PF – Sixteen Personality Factors

With multitudes of personality tests available online, the one that stands out as it checks all the boxes is the 16pf. Raymond Cattel developed this test in the 1940s after conducting extensive research for decades. 

As the name suggests, this test measures sixteen traits that form your personality. There are 185 questions and it will take you about half-an hour to finish the test. It measures personality on two extremes and so the left extremes and right extremes are the traits of an individual, that are dominant, intense and come frequently. You can use the scores from the test to understand your personality better. This is one test that employers use to screen prospective employees, career guidance counselors use it to recommend vocations for students and even psychologists and other mental health professionals use it to formulate treatment options. 

So take out some time to find more about your personality and what drives your behavior. By unlocking your personality, you will be able to understand yourself better, know yourself better, and become a better version of yourself.

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