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Cognitive Styles Test

This site does not save results. If you have an Android device, you may download the Cognitive Styles Test app or the Know Yourself Personality Tests app to take the test and your results will be saved in the app.

The Cognitive Styles Test measures 13 irrational styles of thinking that can create or contribute to life problems including depression, anxiety, anger, relationship difficulties, motivational issues.

This test provides information to help you learn about yourself and to work on self-improvement. Sometimes you will be provided links to self-help articles at ExcelAtLife.com that are written by a licensed psychologist and are based upon cognitive-behavioral therapy methods.

Irrational thinking refers to the concept from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that problem behavior and many symptoms of stress occur due to our thought process. By learning about your irrational thinking you can learn to change it.

To fully understand this test it is important to read the articles about CBT that are provided on this site.

This site does not save your responses or results. Be sure to save your results to your computer if you want to retain the information.


The following test is for personal information only and is not meant to be a professional evaluation.

No login required to obtain results.

For each item: How Well Does the Following Describe You?

Item 1: I worry about things.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 2: I feel comfortable with myself.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 3: I pay attention to details.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 4: I need the approval of others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 5: I spend time thinking about past mistakes.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 6: I reveal little about myself.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 7: I believe that my success depends on ability rather than luck.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 8: I try to please everyone.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 9: I look on the bright side.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 10: I panic easily.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 11: I let other people take the credit for my work.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 12: I feel attacked by others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 13: I worry about things.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 14: I fear for the worst.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 15: I just know that I will be a success.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 16: I continue until everything is perfect.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 17: I want to be liked.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 18: I feel crushed by setbacks.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 19: I am hard to get to know.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 20: I believe that unfortunate events occur because of bad luck.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 21: I follow directions.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 22: I can find the positive in what seems negative to others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 23: I become overwhelmed by events.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 24: I put up with anything.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 25: I feel short-changed in life.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 26: I get angry easily.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 27: I am afraid of many things.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 28: I seldom feel blue.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 29: I have an eye for detail.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 30: I seek support.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 31: I withhold information from others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 32: I don't talk a lot.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 33: I believe that the world is controlled by a few powerful people.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 34: I do what others want me to do.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 35: I remain hopeful despite challenges.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 36: I can't make up my mind.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 37: I let people push me around to help them feel important.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 38: I suspect hidden motives in others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 39: I am quick to judge others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 40: I get stressed out easily.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 41: I like to take responsibility for making decisions.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 42: I want every detail taken care of.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 43: I don't care what others think.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 44: I am preoccupied with myself.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 45: I bottle up my feelings.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 46: I believe some people are born lucky.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 47: I hate to seem pushy.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 48: I will succeed with the goals I set for myself.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 49: I get overwhelmed by emotions.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 50: I will agree to anything.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 51: I distrust people.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 52: I am annoyed by others' mistakes.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 53: I get caught up in my problems.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 54: I know my strengths.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 55: I dislike imperfect work.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 56: I don't care what people think of me.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 57: I dwell on the past.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 58: I keep my thoughts to myself.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 59: I believe in the power of fate.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 60: I follow orders.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 61: I think about what is good in my life when I feel down.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 62: I remain calm under pressure.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 63: I let myself be used.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 64: I feel that people have a hard time understanding me.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 65: I am easily put out.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 66: I am not easily bothered by things.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 67: I dislike myself.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 68: I want everything to add up perfectly.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 69: I often express doubts.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 70: I am open about myself to others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 71: I quickly recognize possibilities.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 72: I expect the worst.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 73: I can handle complex problems.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 74: I have already gotten more than I deserve.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 75: I am wary of others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 76: I can't stand being contradicted.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 77: I am relaxed most of the time.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 78: I am less capable than most people..

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 79: I detect mistakes.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 80: I rarely look for a deeper meaning in things.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 81: I am open about my feelings.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 82: I give in to no one.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 83: I have no plan for my life five years from now.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 84: I know how to cope.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 85: I won't take the blame for something that's not my fault.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 86: I act comfortably with others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 87: I judge people by their appearance.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 88: I am not easily disturbed by events.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 89: I feel that my life lacks direction.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 90: I demand quality.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 91: I disclose my intimate thoughts.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 92: I want to be different from others.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 93: I am not confident that my way of doing things will work out for the best.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 94: I readily overcome setbacks.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 95: I don't let others take credit for my work.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 96: I trust what people say.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 97: I am not easily annoyed.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 98: I don't worry about things that have already happened.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 99: I question my ability to do my work properly.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 100: I pay too little attention to details.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 101: I show my feelings.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 102: I believe only in myself.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 103: I am calm even in tense situations.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 104: I get irritated easily.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 105: I try to forgive and forget.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 106: I adapt easily to new situations.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 107: I feel that I'm unable to deal with things.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 108: I prefer to just let things happen.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 109: I am willing to talk about myself.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.


Item 110: I have a good word for everyone.

Very inaccurate.
Moderately inaccurate.
Neither inaccurate nor accurate.
Moderately accurate.
Very accurate.






 No login required to obtain results.


For authors and more information:
Goldberg, L. R., Johnson, J. A., Eber, H. W., Hogan, R., Ashton, M. C., Cloninger, C. R., & Gough, H. C. (2006). The International Personality Item Pool and the future of public-domain personality measures. Journal of Research in Personality, 40, 84-96.

International Personality Item Pool: A Scientific Collaboratory for the Development of Advanced Measures of Personality Traits and Other Individual Differences (http://ipip.ori.org/). Internet Web Site.

Kindle Books by
Dr. Monica Frank



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