Developed by Timothy Leary in collaboration with H. Leforge and R. Sazek, this method is designed to analyze both the real and ideal self-image, as well as interactions within small social groups, such as a family or a team at work. This diagnostic tool helps identify the dominant aspects of self-esteem and relationships with others.
In the context of small groups, four key orientations were identified: friendliness and hostility, as well as dominance and submission. These main directions are further divided into eight subtypes that describe the most common patterns of behavior and interaction:
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authoritarian (leader-dominant);
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self-centered (independent-dominant);
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aggressive (direct-combative);
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suspicious (doubtful-critical);
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submissive (humble-shy);
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dependent (compliant-loyal);
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friendly (cooperative-conventional);
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altruistic (charitable-generous).
Why should you take this test?
Timothy Leary created this method to make it easier to analyze self-perception, the behavioral traits of people you interact with—whether loved ones or colleagues—and to describe the ideal self. The results of the test give you a chance to draw conclusions about your own personal behavior pattern or the pattern of the person you are assessing.
You can also evaluate how well your behavior is adapted to group work and how closely your goals match the methods you use to achieve them. The Leary questionnaire can also reveal problems in family relationships, support conflict resolution in different social groups, and serve as a basis for psychological correction.
Who uses this method, and for what purpose?
This questionnaire is used by leading psychologists both in Russia and internationally. It is also actively used by U.S. intelligence and security agencies for personnel selection, because the test effectively identifies both undesirable and desirable personality traits for certain types of work.
Timothy Francis Leary (October 22, 1920 – May 31, 1996)
An American writer, psychologist, and pioneer in psychedelic drug research, Timothy Leary is also known as the developer of some of the first psychological tests designed for computer processing.
How to take the test
The test includes 128 statements about a person’s character and unique traits. If a statement matches how you see yourself, or the person whose relationship style you are studying, choose “yes” by clicking next to the appropriate option.
For the most complete picture, it is recommended that you take the test twice: first, answering as honestly and realistically as possible, and second, imagining how you or the person being assessed should act under ideal conditions.
Based on the answers, you can create a broad analysis of your relationships with others and with yourself.
Interpreting the results
Positive scores on the “dominance” scale indicate strong leadership qualities in the person being tested. Negative scores, by contrast, suggest a tendency toward submission and avoidance of responsibility.
A positive score on the “friendliness” scale points to a person’s desire for friendliness and cooperation, while a negative score reflects aggressive and competitive attitudes, making the person less inclined toward effective interaction.
Types of interaction with others
Authoritarian type
Before reaching a pathological level
This personality type shows dictatorial and dominant traits. It describes a strong-willed person who takes the lead in various group situations while also having despotic tendencies. Such a person accepts only their own point of view, tends to give advice, and ignores other people’s opinions. Others recognize their authority, even when it is expressed very openly.
Extreme manifestations
A person in this category appears influential and authoritative, demands respect, and is energetic and dominant. Such people often give advice to others and achieve strong results in their pursuits.
Adaptive traits
These people are self-confident, though they do not necessarily seek leadership. They are characterized by determination and persistence.
Self-centered type
Before reaching a pathological level
This person is overly focused on themselves, sees themselves as superior to others, and prefers to keep their distance. They are calculating, self-important, and driven by a desire for independence. They like to boast about their achievements, are vain, tend to shift their problems onto others, and treat people with emotional distance.
Adaptive manifestations
These appear as self-orientation, a tendency toward competition, and moderate expressions of self-interest.
Aggressive type
Before reaching a pathological level
This personality type is marked by cruelty and aggression toward others, showing hostility. The person is sharp and rude in communication and may sometimes display antisocial behavior.
Extreme manifestations
This type is characterized by high demands toward others and a tendency to be blunt. This is a strict and outspoken person who tends to criticize others harshly. They are uncompromising, tend to blame others, and show irritability and irony.
Adaptive characteristics
These people are energetic, determined, stubborn, and persistent in reaching their goals.
Suspicious type
Before reaching a pathological level
This type is marked by schizoid traits, detachment, and a tendency to view the surrounding world in a negative way. The person is easily offended, holds grudges, and tends to doubt and criticize everything around them. They often express dissatisfaction and are prone to complaining.
Extreme manifestations
This group lacks self-confidence and faces problems in interpersonal relationships, showing critical thinking and a tendency toward isolation. They are suspicious, fear negative attitudes from others, and show verbal aggression. These individuals are skeptics who are constantly disappointed in people, which makes them unsociable and secretive.
Adaptive qualities
Critical attitudes toward social issues and people around them can support the development of analytical thinking.
Submissive type
Before reaching a pathological level
This behavior pattern is marked by constant yielding, even when the person is clearly right. It shows itself through excessive forgiveness and weak will, along with a constant sense of guilt and self-criticism. Such a person puts themselves last and looks to others for support, which makes them extremely passive.
Extreme manifestations
This appears as excessive shyness, meekness, and compliance, in which the person is always ready to give in to a stronger opponent, regardless of the circumstances.
Adaptiveness
This type is characterized by emotional restraint, modesty, and timidity. The person tends to submit, has no clearly expressed opinion of their own, and carries out their duties obediently and conscientiously.
Dependent type
Before reaching a pathological level
This personality type is marked by constant irrational fears and anxiety, along with a high degree of self-doubt and dependence on other people’s opinions.
Extreme manifestations
This type is characterized by obedience, fearfulness, and helplessness. The person cannot defend their views and believes they are always wrong.
Adaptive traits
This person is trusting and gentle, able to admire others, always polite, and expects advice and approval from those around them, which makes them conformist.
Friendly type
Before reaching a pathological level
This behavior type describes a person who tries to please everyone around them, showing excessive friendliness and courtesy. They try to gain social approval while also maintaining emotional lability and the ability to suppress their true feelings. These are traits of a histrionic personality type.
Adaptive qualities
This type is inclined toward teamwork and cooperation, flexibility, and a desire for compromise when resolving conflicts. The person seeks harmony with the opinions of others, follows accepted rules of etiquette and politeness, and shows activity and enthusiasm in achieving group goals, helping others while seeking social recognition and affection.
Altruistic type
Before reaching a pathological level
This type appears through an excessive sense of responsibility and a desire to help others at the expense of personal interests, often imposing help and taking responsibility for other people.
Adaptiveness
This is expressed through tact and responsibility, empathy, and gentleness toward others. Such a person is selfless and responsive, able to support and encourage others in difficult moments.
Authoritarian, self-centered, aggressive, and suspicious types are characterized by conflict, independence of opinion, persistence, and dominance, while submissive, dependent, friendly, and altruistic types show conformity, a desire for harmony and agreement with others, self-doubt, and a willingness to compromise.
