Interpretive Report. Anna Bengtsson. Address: Hemvägen 891. Phone: Age: 43. English/US version. Highest level of education: Forskarutbildning

Transcription

1 Interpretive Report Name: Anna Bengtsson Address: Hemvägen 891 Postal address: Orten Phone: Age: 43 Gender: Female Highest level of education: Forskarutbildning Other training: Test date: 02/21/2011 Purpose of Testing English/US version Report requester: Norm group: Lars Svensson Swedish norms. All rights reserved. Article number: P2 en-us Interpretive Report. Version

2 Introduction The test scores in this report are a compilation of the answers given by the test subject in response to the statements in the test. These statements, which are based on modern research on work-life psychology, have been developed to measure the individual s personality. A person s personality is, of course, more complex and nuanced than what can be measured with a questionnaire. However, the characteristics measured in this test are the measurable aspects of personality that are the most important for describing someone s personality in general and their predictable behavior in their work-life in particular. It is a fact that people have different personalities and that these differences affect their behavior at work. By surveying an individual s personality, we can identify the strengths and weaknesses that affect the individual s behavior. Structure of the report The report is subdivided according to five dimensions of personality, all of which are measured with their own scale: Agreeableness (AG), Conscientiousness (CO), Emotional Stability (ES), Extraversion (EX) and Openness (OP). Furthermore, each scale consists of five subscales, which are numbered from 1 to 5 (for example, ES1 is the first subscale on the Emotional Stability scale, ES2 is the second subscale on the Emotional Stability scale etc.) Each part of the report begins with a description of what the scale, or the subscale, measures. This is followed by the test subject s individual score on the scale or subscale, expressed in three Copyright. Authors: Sofia Sjöberg and Cicek Svensson. Graphic designer: Christina Aulin. Article number: P2 en-us. Interpretive Report. The reproduction of the contents of this report, in whole or partially, without permission from Assessio International AB, is prohibited by law (1960:729) by copyright of literary and artistic work. The prohibition applies to every form of reproduction and any kind of imitation, such as printing, copying, digitizing, recording et cetera. different point levels; low, average or high test scores. The stated point level is followed by a description of what that particular level means, how it usually affects someone s behavior and how other people are likely to perceive someone with that specific point level. In order for these point levels to serve a purpose, the comparison is made against a group of people who have also answered the statements a norm group. On the first page of the report, it is indicated which norm group was used. Regardless of which norm group is used, the average test score corresponds to 68% of the test scores in the norm group (average value +- 1 standard deviation). A low test score means that it is among the lowest 16% of the test scores in the norm group (less than 1 standard deviation below the mean value) on that specific scale or subscale. A high test score, on the other hand, means that it is among the highest 16% of the scores in the norm group (more than 1 standard deviation above the mean value) on that specific scale or subscale. Keep in mind Test scores should not be interpreted in absolute terms, but rather as guiding indicators of how a test subject s personality is likely to be structured, and thus how it affects his or her behavior in different situations. It is important to keep in mind that there are no good or bad results. There are several reasons for this: There are positive and negative aspects to both high and low test scores. Different types of work require different characteristics. What is important and valuable in one line of work may constitute an obstacle in another The combination of test scores on different scales and subscales has an effect on behavior, which is not taken into account in this report There is no such thing as a perfect test; there is always some degree of measurement error in the test score For more information about the interpretation of test scores, please see the technical manual. 2

3 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Agreeableness (AG) The Agreeableness scale reflects how a person interacts with others. This is shown in their degree of trust in others, their belief that other people are inherently good, their ability to empathize with others and their inclination to help and support others. A central aspect of this scale is the emotional feature that characterizes the person s relationships, and the person s ability to express affection and compassion towards and in the presence of others. This scale reflects genuine agreeableness in the sense that a person is straightforward and sincere towards others, even if it means that the person appears to be less flexible. a low test score People with low test scores on the Agreeableness scale are skeptical and reserved. They find it difficult to trust other people and their intentions. Since they tend to be on their guard towards other people and their surroundings, they are rarely fooled or deceived. They find it easy to adjust their communication and their messages in a way which serves their purposes and avoids negative reactions from others. Because of this unclear communication, other people may think that they are pleasant and socially passable in passing and short-term situations. In a longer perspective, however, others may feel manipulated and tricked by these people s sympathetic way of expressing themselves, or their lack of sincerity. They are usually not in any greater need of company and they usually view their emotional independence as a strength. People with low test scores may find it difficult to express love or compassion in their relationships with others, and they do not always see major advantages with such strong emotional expressions. Instead, they might be troubled by people who express strong emotions and interpret this as a sign of weakness. They often view themselves as advantageously tough, insensitive, attentive, persistent and competitive. Others perceive them as thick-skinned and independent, but also as shallow, manipulative, emotionally reserved, self-centered and contentious. 3

4 Trust (AG1) The Trust subscale reflects a person s trust in other people, and how easy they find it to trust others. This subscale also reflects people s views on mankind and their confidence in other people s intentions; whether they usually think well of others or if they are more skeptical and reserved. Communication (AG2) The Communication subscale reflects the way a person communicates with others. People might communicate with others in a frank and straightforward way, or prefer to be more careful and perhaps vague. The way people communicate reflects how they pursue relationships with other people, and it provides information about their interpersonal character over a longer period of time. Please observe that people with low test scores are often described as sympathetic in passing, short-term contacts, while people with high test scores can be described as less sympathetic in the short term, but as genuinely sympathetic in the long term. a low test score People with low test scores on this scale tend to be more reserved than most others. They are constantly on their guard towards other people and their intentions. Others may perceive them as cynical and as lacking faith in mankind or human nature. They often express skepticism and doubt towards others intentions, and they easily assume that other people are dishonest or that they might be dangerous. This attitude means that they are rarely fooled or deceived. a low test score People with low test scores on the Communication subscale prioritize a smooth and pleasant way of communicating, which does not jeopardize others impression of them as a sympathetic person. They adjust the message or the communication to other people based on the current situation, or to benefit their own goals. People with low test scores often come across as more careful in their communication than people with high test scores, meaning that they have an endearing manner and do well in social situations. In passing and shortterm contacts in particular, they usually come across as nice, pleasant and smooth. They have a soft image and try hard to avoid conflicts. They are usually successful in adapting themselves to the situation and to others, but can in more extreme cases come across as manipulative and spineless people who rarely express or stand by their actual opinions. These people generally do not have any problems with stretching the truth, which separates them from people with high test scores, who usually are driven by the need to always say what they believe is true. People with low test scores are usually more willing to manipulate others with flattery, shrewdness or cunning in order to get what they want. They also believe that these strategies are not only necessary, but also desirable aspects of social competence, and they might believe that more straightforward persons are naïve, unnecessarily frank and sometimes unpleasantly explicit. 4

5 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Altruism (AG3) The Altruism subscale reflects a person s need to be available and help other people out. It reflects the inclination to put one s own needs aside in order to help and support others. Compassion (AG4) The Compassion subscale reflects a person s degree of sympathy and compassion for others. This is expressed by the inclination to be affected by other people s problems and needs, and to what extent the person tends to engage in other people s problems through genuine consideration and concern. a low test score People with low test scores on the Altruism subscale have a limited need to help other people. They are not driven by any strong will to help other people without any personal gain, meaning that they avoid getting involved in other people s problems and similar burdens. People around them may think that they are egocentric and that they mainly think about themselves and their own well-being. The people with low test scores, on the other hand, regard themselves as healthily self-focused, with an ability to look after themselves and not get influenced by other people s problems. They might also think that people with high test scores do not look after themselves and that they are unnecessarily generous and open-handed. People with average test scores on the Compassion subscale are able to understand and feel sympathy for others to about the same extent as most other people. They are able to feel and show sympathy for others, and spend some of their emotional resources on these feelings. They are affected by other people s problems, although not to the same extent as people with high test scores, who might let other people s problems and situations get the upper hand and use up all their available resources. Moreover, they do not let themselves get as involved as people with high test scores. They generally come across as considerate, engaged and attentive to other people s state of mind, without being too emotional or easily affected. 5

6 Affection (AG5) The Affection subscale reflects the extent to which a person s relationships are characterized by affection, love, tenderness and friendship, as opposed to restraint and reservation. A certain degree of affection is necessary for intimate relationships to be possible. Notes: a low test score People with low test scores on the Affection subscale are more restrained and rarely show feelings such as love and tenderness. They often have a more reserved attitude towards others, and prefer to be formal, even in relationships of a more friendly character. People with low test scores can be described as having a greater emotional distance to their relationships than people with high test scores. The people around them think that they are professional, stable and self-restrained, but also perceive them as emotionally limited and isolated; neither interested in nor in need of other people. 6

7 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Conscientiousness (CO) The Conscientiousness scale describes a person s attitude towards assignments and commitments. The scale is associated with performance, and describes how someone prefers to work; systematically, methodically and conscientiously, or spontaneously, flexibly and aimlessly. In addition, the scale represents the underlying driving force for achievements, and also measures the characteristics that are necessary for studying this driving force, such as the tendency to be organized, systematic, dutiful, effective and efficient. a low test score A low test score on this scale indicates that the person approaches the surrounding world in a spontaneous, open and flexible way. People with low test scores prefer the spur of the moment and to take each day as it comes, and they are more relaxed and easy-going. It is easy for them to procrastinate, but they can also be involved in several things at once. They can come across as irresponsible, careless, chaotic or unproductive, and sometimes even as unreliable. They do not necessarily lack moral principles, but they apply them less strictly. They are often insensitive to rules and expectations, and they often dislike society s norms and authorities. Other people might believe that they are egoistic and sometimes incapable of understanding the effects of their behavior on others. People with low test scores on this scale take commitments more lightly and are not as troubled by not following predetermined plans or procedures, and they view planning as a limitation. Furthermore, they are not as openly focused on performance as people with high test scores, and they rarely feel a need to challenge authorities or to please everyone. They occasionally make quick, sometimes premature, decisions, since they tend to go with their gut feelings rather than their logic. They can be described as pleasure-driven, since they rarely find any meaningful purpose in hard work. 7

8 Intensity (CO1) The Intensity subscale reflects a person s work tempo, i.e. the intensity and tempo with which a person approaches a work assignment. This reflects how persistent a person is and to what extent he or she works hard and without delay to be as efficient as possible, or whether he or she is more relaxed and cares less about getting a lot of work done. The subscale also reflects people s feelings about being efficient and competent in terms of their own performance, and how important do they believe this to be. Please observe that a low test score on this scale does not mean that people automatically lack self-confidence. It just means that they have a more relaxed attitude towards being efficient and capable. Diligence (CO2) The Diligence subscale consists of two equally important parts; the degree of orderliness people tend to have and the extent to which they are diligent and dutiful. Furthermore, the subscale also reflects the importance they attach to duties and commitments. People with average test scores on the Intensity subscale have a work tempo that is on level with that of most other people. They assume and carry out their assignment at a reasonable pace, and even though they value efficiency and persistence their work is rarely forced or compulsive. They are not as bothered as people with high test scores if they have to give up or slow down and although they do not mind coming across as competent and capable, they rarely have as great a need for this as do people with high test scores. They can sometimes treat themselves to a more relaxed attitude towards their assignments, and it is also easier for them to relax and allow themselves to be lazy. People with average test scores usually have a strong faith in their own ability. They generally feel capable, suitable and competent to handle most assignments that they are faced with, without standing out as overly capable. People with average test scores on the Diligence subscale have a level of diligence and orderliness that is on level with that of most others. These people attach some importance to orderliness and allocate time to structure and organize their daily life. However, they do not have as pronounced a need to constantly achieve complete orderliness as do people with high test scores. In addition, they do not believe that orderliness is an end in itself. At times, they can even allow themselves to be a bit careless. These people usually allocate time to prepare for their work; at least for the assignments they believe are important and significant. In other words, they do not have the same relaxed attitude as people with low test scores, but they do not get as disturbed by unforeseen assignments as people with high test scores. They are often responsible and put effort into fulfilling their assignments. However, they do not get as frustrated as people with high test scores if they have to turn down an assignment or are forced to go back on an agreement. 8

9 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Ambition (CO3) The Ambition subscale reflects people s will to perform, their level of ambition and the demands they make of themselves. This subscale reflects how target-oriented someone is, how far someone is willing to go and how much time and effort he or she is willing to invest to reach their set goals. The degree of persistence and endurance are some of the important aspects of this subscale. Self-discipline (CO4) The Self-discipline subscale reflects the extent to which a person is able to begin and complete assignments or commitments, regardless of whether the person is bored or distracted. The person s ability to motivate him/herself is of central importance, including in monotonous and routine assignments. People with average test scores on the Ambition subscale have a level of ambition that is on level with that of most other people. They strive to perform, meaning that they often set out goals and put effort into achieving them. Their striving for performance often involves one or a couple of areas in their lives, while the other areas are characterized by a more relaxed attitude. In other words, they do not maintain the same level of ambition to the same extent as people with high test scores. In the same way, their striving to become better is generally not as ambitious or as extensive as it is among people with high test scores. People with average test scores are able to apply a more distanced view on their goals, and do not get as frustrated if they have to put their own goals aside in favor of something else. They can work hard to get what they want, but are rarely willing to stake everything. Unlike people with low test scores, who often lack clear planning, people with average test scores tend to have certain goals, albeit unclear, unspoken or few. These goals dictate their daily life and behavior on a more or less conscious level. People with average test scores on the Self-discipline subscale have a level of discipline that it similar to that of most others. They are not too disciplined, but not careless or unfocused either. They mostly complete their tasks and usually stay focused on their current assignments. They sometimes temporarily postpone things that need to be done, but are usually able to return to their assignments and complete them. 9

10 Decision Making (CO5) The Decision Making subscale describes the strategy someone uses when making a decision. This subscale summarizes the tendency to be thoughtful and analytical as opposed to being spontaneous and impulsive in one s decision making. Notes: a low test score People with low test scores on the Decision Making subscale are usually spontaneous and impulsive in their decision making. They are used to basing their decisions on the spur of the moment and their gut feeling, rather than on logic. They might feel that it is tiresome and sometimes unnecessary to collect all the information that other people believe is necessary. People with low test scores are usually comfortable making decisions even when they do not have all the relevant information. They are able to make quick decisions when the situation calls for it. However, their lack of reflection together with their quick decisions sometimes leads to premature and rash decisions, and they often have a habit of speaking or acting without thinking about the consequences. Although other people may perceive them as spontaneous and dynamic, others might have trouble understanding and accepting their decisions, since these are not based on logic. 10

11 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Emotional Stability (ES) The Emotional Stability scale reflects a person s general emotional state; the intensity and frequency with which a person experiences mainly negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, guilt and depression. Intensity and frequency are important, as these factors form the basis of the emotional state that affects everyday behavior. This includes whether a person has a stable temper and confidence, as well as how efficiently a person handles his or her impulses. In addition, it is of central importance how constructive a person is in terms of dealing with setbacks and stressful situations in life. Furthermore, the scale also reflects what emotional resources a person has for solving everyday problems and conflicts. a low test score People with low test scores on the Emotional Stability scale tend to experience emotions such as anxiety, irritation and insecurity somewhat more often, for longer periods of time and more intensely than most others. This means that they often come across as lively and energetic people with a hot temper, who in the short term can engage others and receive attention with their emotional intensity. However, in the long term or in tense situations, other people may think that they overreact or that they are too intense. People with low test scores tend to be alert and on their guard, meaning that they are rarely taken by surprise when a situation occurs. Other people may perceive them as anxious, tense or restless, but also think that they pay attention and are interested in their surroundings. People with low test scores are easily swayed by their emotions and express their emotions to a greater extent than people who are more emotionally restrained (high test scores). People who follow their impulses and do what they feel like can come across as brave and fascinating, but might also end up in situations that they regret. Their tendency to be fickle means that they might be perceived as erratic and sometimes unreliable, when they go back on agreements and make new plans. People with low test scores are usually sensitive to external strain, and even small amounts of pressure can lead to feelings of stress or overexertion. People with low test scores may suffer from insecurity and worry about making mistakes or failing. Therefore, they prefer to seek support and advice from others in difficult situations, meaning that the people around them may perceive them as lacking in independence and being indecisive. On the other hand, this characteristic may give the impression that they are keen and attentive, that they take other people s views and opinions seriously, and that they are willing to change their decisions and positions based on other people s opinions. Deficiencies in basic security means that they have difficulties with making themselves heard in social contexts. They are often uncomfortable with speaking in front of larger groups or chatting with people they do not know. 11

12 Emotions (ES1) The Emotions subscale is the core of the overall Emotional Stability scale. Emotions reflect a person s basic emotional stability and are, among other things, expressed by the degree of assurance in other people, how difficult do they find decision making to be, whether they worry about failing, regret or dwell on things instead of putting them behind and moving on. Temper (ES2) The Temper subscale reflects the tendency to feel and express irritation, and how easily people become provoked and lose their temper. Apart from the tendency to feel and express general discontent, the subscale also measures the tendency to react with anger, irritation, frustration, disappointment and bitterness. Please observe that a high test score on this subscale does not measure the degree of a person s good mood, but only the lack of an inclination towards irritation. People with average test scores on the Emotions subscale have an emotional stability on level with that of most others. They sometimes worry, even over trivial matters, but usually handle their worries constructively. They usually give a stable impression without coming across as too unmoved or shut off from the gravity of the situation. They pay attention to what is happening around them without being tense or nervous, and they usually demonstrate a healthy willingness to respond to events in their surroundings. a low test score People with low test scores on the Temper subscale have a tendency to feel and express irritation, both in general and towards others. They easily get provoked and lose their temper. They express frustration, anger and bitterness more often and more easily than most others. This uneven temperament means that they can come across as moody and irritable, especially in pressing situations, but also as temperamental and colorful. 12

13 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Confidence (ES3) The Confidence subscale reflects the degree of confidence a person posesses. Confidence affects people s comfort in social situations, their ability to make and convey decisions, and their opinions of their surroundings, among other things. The subscale also reflects the keenness and space a person gives to other people s opinions, as well as the influence these opinions have on the person. Self-control (ES4) The Self-control subscale reflects a person s degree of control over sudden impulses and desires. This subscale measures the ability to control and restrain one s impulses. Impulsiveness affects a person s tendency to act spontaneously, take risks and make quick decisions. People with average test scores on the Confidence subscale have about the same level of confidence as most other people. They have a basic belief in themselves, meaning that they give a secure and competent impression in most situations. However, in stressful situations they may doubt their own ability and feel incapable of solving the assignments and problems that arise. They are usually comfortable in social situations, although they do not always make themselves heard or feel comfortable with a too central role in larger social contexts. They are generally comfortable with making their own decisions, but when faced with trying situations or extremely difficult or important decisions they sometimes seek support, advice and acknowledgement from others, and might then be perceived as indecisive and lacking in independence. They sometimes handle these situations by making a decision independently, isolating themselves and not letting other people make themselves heard. The people around them often perceive them as fairly confident, independent and self-sufficient, as people who listen to others and let them participate and influence both themselves and the decisions, without giving the impression of being indecisive or lacking in independence. a low test score People with low test scores on the Self-control subscale have a limited ability to control their desires and impulses. They often give in to their desires, such as food, tobacco, alcohol or gambling. Even though they are aware of the consequences, their desires can be so strong that they are unable to resist them. There is a risk that these impulse-based spontaneous actions will result in exaggerated emotional reactions and ill-founded decisions. Frequent impulse-based action can lead to frustration among others, since those decisions cannot be derived from a logical process that other people can understand. Therefore, it is difficult for people in their surroundings to understand what caused the person s behavior and expression. People with low test-scores are often described as spontaneous and flexible, but also as fickle, erratic and sometimes unreliable, when they don t uphold agreements and make new plans instead. 13

14 Stress (ES5) The Stress subscale measures how well a person handles stress and pressure. A person s ability to handle pressure determines when he or she reacts emotionally and behaviorally towards people around them. This subscale thus indicates how much pressure a person can handle and be comfortable with. In addition, this subscale also shows how a person reacts to situations with heavy workloads, emotionally and behaviorally. Notes: a low test score People with low test scores on the Stress subscale are sensitive to various forms of stress and pressure. They have a lower stress threshold and fewer resources for handling pressure and solving problems, or for sorting out the situation that caused the workload. These people can suffer from feelings of hopelessness when they are exposed to different types of pressure, and might feel incapable of handling the situation. In acute situations, they might panic and have difficulties acting constructively. This recurring feeling of being incapable of handling the situation means that they are more likely to seek help and support, thus becoming more dependent on others. Stress and pressure take up a lot of energy, and require time for recovery. With the right support, these people can handle work that causes some amount of pressure, but there should be plenty of time for recovery and emotional processing after periods of more intense pressure. The people around them often perceive them as sensitive and fragile. 14

15 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Extraversion (EX) The Extraversion scale measures the degree of energy with which a person approaches life, and thus describes the social position that he or she usually occupies. The scale describes a person s need and interest in socializing and being around other people. This scale provides an image of how the person portrays him/herself and how he or she is perceived by others; their need to be seen and heard and whether they actually are so, as well as whether they are comfortable with socializing with other people, including people they do not know. The scale also reflects people s need for, and comfort with, being the centre of attention and the subject of other people s attention and expectations. The search for experiences that provide excitement and stimulation, along with the person s pace of life, form the core of this scale. a high test score People with high test scores are often described as energetic, outgoing, social and chatty. They enjoy being the center of attention, often assume the role as leader in working groups and come across as confident and optimistic. Therefore, other people generally view them as strong and energetic. They take up a lot of space in social situations, which in extreme cases can lead to others feeling uncomfortable and ignored. They like to meet new people and find it easy to make new contacts. However, it is important to point out that these are not necessarily deep, long-term relationships, but rather more superficial acquaintances. High test scores on the Extraversion scale means that they are interested in, and focus a lot of their (high level of) energy on their social surroundings. They enjoy and have a need for social situations with lots of people, and actively search for opportunities to expand their social network. People with high test scores are enthusiastic and find it easy to express themselves, especially verbally. These people have a tendency to speak before they think, which means that they might come across as rude, and they can sometimes hurt other people s feelings with their statements without noticing it themselves. They usually have a high pace of life, since they like excitement and strong impressions. They usually get a great deal of work done, and are adept at initiating processes and projects. However, other people may find it difficult to keep up with their pace, and experience that they are less adept at prioritizing, maintaining focus and completing assignments. People with high test scores like to seek out exciting activities or new challenges, which means that they can easily be perceived as fascinating and bold, but also as rash, unnecessarily speculative and risky. People around them describe them as positive, energetic and pleasant, but also as arrogant, inattentive, unfocused and strained. 15

16 Social Need (EX1) The Social Need subscale measures a person s sociability. This subscale reflects people s interest in being around other people and seeking situations that involve more than one person. The need to be in the presence of other people and the comfort in social situations are reflected in this subscale. Social Image (EX2) The Social Image subscale describes how a person approaches the social sphere, if they are more dominant and conspicuous or more muted and reserved. People with average test scores on the Social Need subscale have a social interest and need that is on level with that of most other people. They like to socialize with others and usually do so without too much effort. However, they do not have the same explicit need for socializing as people with high test scores. They manage well on their own and sometimes need time to themselves. People with average test scores have a desire and a need to be the centre of attention that is on level with that of most other people. They usually have an image that is neither evasive and aloof nor extremely dominant. They mostly prefer and are comfortable with being part of a social context and they can generally handle a central role, even if they do not actively pursue one. After such situations, they usually have to recover since the attention consumes energy. 16

17 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Pace of Life (EX3) This subscale describes the energy level that people have in their life and thus what degree of liveliness, vitality and strength they express with their pace of life; whether the person prefers a high tempo full of activities, or a calmer, more relaxed tempo. Excitement Seeking (EX4) The Excitement Seeking subscale deals with the need for external stimulation, strong impressions and excitement. This subscale reflects the need for drama and new challenges, as opposed to being calm and contented with the safety of familiar environments. People with average test scores have a pace of life that is on level with that of most other people. They usually need an active life with a fair amount of activities, but it is equally important for them to sometimes be able to slow things down. They have a lot of energy, but not an unlimited amount. There are limitations, meaning that they have to recover every now and again. However, they can become impatient and frustrated if the pace is too slow for a long period, since they have a need to be active and get things done. a high test score High test scores on this subscale indicate that the person has a great need for excitement. This leads to them exposing themselves and others to risks, pursuing risky leisure activities and often being open to working in high-risk professions. These people easily become restless and might initiate projects or take unnecessary risks simply for the excitement. They are not as stimulated by jobs with routine duties, and constantly seek out new challenges and environments. They are perceived as exciting, interesting and captivating, but also as unreliable and irresponsible. 17

18 Cheerfulness (EX5) The Cheerfulness subscale deals with the tendency to perceive and express positive feelings such as joy, happiness and love. This is reflected in the person s degree of good spirits, contentment, cheerfulness and emotion. People who are usually expressly happy and easy-going receive high test scores while people who are less exuberant and expressive receive low test scores. Notes: a high test score People with high test scores on this subscale are expressly happy, positive and optimistic and maintain their good mood no matter what. Even when they are severely provoked or put off balance they have the ability to maintain a happy and positive attitude towards others. They find it easy to make new contacts, are easy to talk to and can easily put the people around them in a good mood. Others perceive them as very pleasant, sociable and fun. 18

19 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Openness (OP) The Openness scale reflects an inclination to be open to and have a need for inner experiences, i.e. emotional experiences that occur and take place within a person. These inner experiences are sometimes stimulated by external events or activities, but are as likely to be generated by the individual him/herself by means of, for example, their own imagination. Openness comprises the inclination to have a vivid imagination, a sense of aesthetics, an understanding of one s own emotions, a special liking for complexity and creativity, intellectual curiosity and being independent of other people s views and opinions. In addition, the scale reflects whether a person prefers variation, or if he or she is more interested in specific knowledge and chooses the wellknown and traditional rather than the unexplored and unconventional. People with average test scores are open to and have a need for inner experiences to the same extent as most other people. Although their main driving force is not to constantly seek new experiences, they do not avoid opportunities to try out new activities or gain new experiences. People with average test scores do not convey excessively heated nor subdued emotional expressions. They are usually capable of expressing themselves adequately and reasonably, in a way that does not make other people feel uncomfortable or uneasy. In turn, they themselves are rarely unpleasantly affected by other people s expressions, even if these are strong or heated. They do not mind doing things they already know or working with tried and tested methods, since it makes them feel comfortable and secure. At the same time, they are occasionally stimulated by exploring the unknown and unfamiliar. Unlike people with high test scores, they often seek a more practical and concrete meaning with their actions. They want these to lead to something that is meaningful and useful to other people as well. People with average test scores do not lack creativity and they have a strong power of imagination, but it is not unusual for them to completely disregard what is unrealistic or unachievable in practice. Their new ideas and suggestions for unconventional working methods usually have a reasonable connection to how they are carried out in practice, which makes it easier for other people to pay attention. Although they are usually not that interested in science and intellectual games, they do not mind spending time on abstract, philosophical or political discussions when given the opportunity to do so. They sometimes reflect over new ethical, social and political ideas, but rarely intellectualize just for the sake of it. Therefore, they are not constantly seeking to revaluate the surrounding world, even though they possess a versatile intellect that sometimes creates the need to question authorities, current situations, work methods, values, norms, views and political decisions. 19

20 Imagination (OP1) The Imagination subscale reflects whether a person has an active imagination or if he or she is more down-to-earth and focused on current practical and everyday events. The inclination to daydream and to be stimulated by abstract intellectual games also belongs to the Imagination subscale. Aesthetics (OP2) The Aesthetics subscale reflects a person s interest in artistic and aesthetical expression. The interest in the field of culture comes from a need for inner stimulation; the inclination to be open to and seek experiences that provide for and develop the inner emotional world. This subscale includes fields such as poetry, music, color and design. People with average test scores have a power of imagination and an ability to imagine abstract events that is similar to that of most other people. They are able to be imaginative and they sometimes develop their fantasies and daydreams into detailed inner worlds of ideas, but this is not part of their everyday life. They are relatively down to earth and realistic people at heart, who focus on what happens here and now. People with average test scores on the Aesthetics subscale have an interest in the artistic and aesthetic that is on level with that of most other people. They usually appreciate some, but not all, forms of cultural expression and spends a limited amount of time satisfying their need for this form of inner stimulation. They are inclined to be affected by cultural expression, but are rarely caught up in or engrossed by emotions. 20

21 COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALITY SERIES Emotional Sensitivity (OP3) The Emotional Sensitivity subscale reflects how susceptible and attentive a person is, mainly to their own emotions, but also to emotions in his or her surroundings. In addition, this subscale also reflects the extent to which the person perceives variations in emotions in terms of intensity and richness and what value the person attaches to the emotions. Experiences (OP4) The Experiences subscale reflects how willing a person is to try new activities in order to stimulate their inner emotional world. The search for inner experiences leads certain people to be more open to all new available experiences, or the opposite, to be more faithful to their habits, which stem from a lesser need for inner emotional stimulation. People with average test scores on Emotional Sensitivity are about as susceptible and attentive to the emotions of themselves and others as are most other people. They neither ignore nor emphasize the emotions of themselves or others, and generally display a good balance between adequate and reasonable emotions. They are sufficiently attentive to the emotions of others, meaning that they rarely are perceived as thick-skinned or isolated, and they are not extremely devoted or at risk of overinterpreting other people s emotions. Thanks to this balance, the emotions of themselves and others can usually be handled in a nuanced way and be given a constructive space in their lives. People around them often find that they express themselves with emotional relevance, without being isolated and unaffected or unnecessarily emotional. People with average test scores on the Experiences subscale have a need for new experiences that is on level with that of most other people. They do not mind the well-known, and they like to have habits and routines in their everyday lives. However, this does not mean that they systematically avoid trying new things, but rather that their average need for inner emotional stimulation pushes them to seek new experiences to a moderate extent. Therefore, they sometimes seek new and untried activities and experiences, but not with the same frequency as people with high test scores. People around them generally perceive them as open to trying out new activities, methods and ways of working, but not as compulsively unable to be satisfied with the tried and tested. 21

22 Mindset (OP5) The Mindset subscale reflects a person s degree of intellectual curiosity. This includes the person s willingness and susceptibility to considering new and sometimes unconventional ideas. Intellectual curiosity is manifested by abstract philosophical discussions, theoretical reasoning and other forms of activities that stimulate the intellect. Notes: a high test score People with high test scores on the Mindset subscale are very interested in, and actively seek activities and contexts that grant them intellectual stimulation. They like to engage in interests and activities that comprise philosophical discussions, theoretical reasoning and other forms of intellectual development. These people have a susceptibility and willingness to constantly consider new and sometimes unconventional ideas. However, this does not mean that they automatically possess high intelligence, although a high test score can be an indication of intellectual potential. People around them often perceive them as analytical and intellectual. 22