Temperament and Personality questionnaire

Things my female owner do when she is procrastinating...

Completing a dubious online questionnaire...

http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/surveys/Temperament/index.html

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The following information summarises your scores on ten personality dimensions and includes a brief description of how each of these dimensions influences non-melancholic depression, based on our research at the Black Dog Institute.

Each of the personality dimensions below may increase or decrease the chance of non-melancholic depression. However, it is important to remember that non-melancholic depression usually results from an interaction between stressful events and personality, not personality alone, and that there are other factors involved. Therefore a high score on any of the scales below does NOT mean that depression is inevitable. Rather, it is useful to identify the role of personality in an individual's episode of non-melancholic depression because such characteristics (e.g. worrying, irritability) can be modified, with the aid of a health care professional, in order to effectively treat the depression.

It is important to note the limitations to our feedback. Firstly, it is based on self-reported information and is therefore influenced by our capacity to know ourselves. Secondly, the dimensions are not entirely precise and scores on each scale are capable of being very much influenced by a range of other personality characteristics and current mood. Thus, we emphasise that we cannot declare that our judgements are necessarily accurate.

'Anxious worrying':
You scored 15 on this scale. High scores (18 and over) indicate a greater tendency to become stressed, worried and anxious. If unaddressed, excessive anxious worrying can increase the risk of developing non-melancholic depression.

'Perfectionism':
You scored 26 on this scale. High scores (31 and over) are associated with a tendency to be very responsible and reliable, have high standards for oneself and to be highly committed to task and duties. While perfectionism can be a constructive characteristic, when extremely high it can actually limit one's functioning. High scorers on this dimension are somewhat less likely to get depressed than the general population. However, certain events can trigger a severe depression. These stressful events tend to involve loss of control in an important area, or the feeling that one's pride has been hurt.

'Personal reserve':
You scored 11 on this scale. High scores (17 and over) are associated with a tendency to keep one's inner feelings to oneself. People high on 'personal reserve' tend to be reluctant to let friends and acquaintances get to know them too well. Scoring high on 'personal reserve' can increase the risk of developing non-melancholic depression, particularly following events that challenge concerns about closeness.

'Irritability':
You scored 7 on this scale. High scores (21 and over) are associated with a tendency to be quick-tempered and to 'externalise' stress by becoming 'snappy' and irritated by little things. Scoring high on this dimension indicates an increased risk to brief episodes of non-melancholic depression.

'Social avoidance':
You scored 14 on this scale. High scores (17 and over) on this dimension are associated with a tendency to be introverted and to keep to oneself, while those low on this dimension tend to be very sociable. High scores indicate a moderately increased risk to non-melancholic depression.

'Self-focused':
You scored 1 on this scale. High scores (9 and over) are associated with a tendency to prioritise one's own needs over the needs of others. People high on the 'self-focused' dimension can be more likely to develop depression when their needs are not met. However, these depressive episodes tend to be relatively brief, often because the individual externalises their frustration.

'Self-criticism':
You scored 12 on this scale. High scores (10 and over) are associated with a tendency to be quite tough on oneself. An ongoing style of self-blame and self-criticism can increase the risk of developing non-melancholic depression. However, it is important to note that most people become more self-critical when they are depressed. Thus, if you are currently depressed, a high score on this scale does not necessarily indicate an ongoing style of self-criticism.

'Interpersonal sensitivity':
You scored 11 on this scale. High scores (14 and over) are associated with a tendency to worry about rejection or abandonment. Feeling rejected in an important relationship is a common trigger for non-melancholic depression amongst people with high interpersonal sensitivity.

'Co-operativeness':
You scored 28 on this scale. High scores (20 and over) on this scale are associated with a tendency to be generally helpful, compassionate, empathic and get along well with others.

'Effectiveness':
You scored 15 on this scale. High scores (18 and over) on this scale indicate an ability to cope well with different situations and to be confident in problem-solving. People who are particularly low on the 'effectiveness' dimension may have an increased risk of developing non-melancholic depression if they encounter a stressful situation which is beyond their coping skills.