What psychometric instruments does The Self Index use?

The Self Index uses thirteen validated instruments including: Raven's Progressive Matrices (IQ), SSEIT (Emotional Intelligence), Short Dark Triad SD-3 (Dark Triad), Adult Attachment Questionnaire (Attachment Style), VIA-IS (Character Strengths), CD-RISC (Resilience), Schwartz Values Survey (Values), Rotter's I-E Scale (Locus of Control), FFMQ (Mindfulness), Thomas-Kilmann TKI (Conflict Style), and Steger's MLQ (Purpose & Meaning).

Are the personality tests on The Self Index scientifically validated?

Yes. Every assessment uses a peer-reviewed psychometric instrument with published validation studies. These are the same scales used in occupational psychology, clinical research, and academic studies. The Self Index is not a clinical diagnostic tool but uses research-grade instruments for self-awareness and personal development.

What is the Dark Triad personality test?

The Dark Triad refers to three subclinical personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. The Self Index uses the Short Dark Triad (SD-3), a validated 27-item instrument developed by Jones & Paulhus (2014). These traits exist on a spectrum in the general population and are associated with leadership emergence, risk tolerance, and ethical blind spots. The test is age-gated to 18+.

What is an attachment style test?

An attachment style test measures how early caregiver relationships shaped your adult patterns of intimacy, trust, and emotional regulation. The four main styles are: secure, anxious (preoccupied), dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant. The Self Index uses an instrument based on Hazan & Shaver (1987) and Bartholomew & Horowitz (1991).

What is emotional intelligence and how is it measured?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to perceive, use, understand, and manage emotions. The Self Index measures EI using an instrument based on the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT), which assesses four dimensions: emotional perception, managing own emotions, managing others' emotions, and utilising emotions. Higher EI is associated with better relationship quality, leadership effectiveness, and mental health outcomes.

What does a locus of control test measure?

A locus of control test measures whether you believe life outcomes are primarily determined by your own actions (internal locus) or by external forces such as luck, fate, or other people (external locus). The concept was developed by Julian Rotter in 1966. People with a strong internal locus of control tend to show greater resilience, academic achievement, and health-promoting behaviours.

Peer-Reviewed Foundations

The Science Behind
Every Assessment

Every instrument on The Self Index is a research-grade scale grounded in peer-reviewed science. Below you will find the foundational papers, validation studies, and meta-analyses that underpin each of our 13 assessments — with direct links to the original sources.

13

Validated instruments

39

Academic references

80+

Years of combined research

The Self Index adapts research-grade psychometric frameworks for self-discovery purposes. Our implementations are inspired by the clinical-standard scales cited below and are not direct reproductions of proprietary tools. Results are intended for personal insight and should not be used as clinical diagnoses or for high-stakes employment decisions without professional guidance.

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The Science Behind
Every Assessment

Big Five Personality

IQ / Fluid Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence

Dark Triad

Attachment Style

Character Strengths

Resilience

Connection Style

Values Clarification

Locus of Control

Cognitive Style

Mindfulness & Awareness

Conflict Style

Ready to apply the science to yourself?

The Science BehindEvery Assessment

Big Five Personality

IQ / Fluid Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence

Dark Triad

Attachment Style

Character Strengths

Resilience

Connection Style

Values Clarification

Locus of Control

Cognitive Style

Mindfulness & Awareness

Conflict Style

Ready to apply the science to yourself?

The Science Behind
Every Assessment