Methodology & Reference Frameworks
1. Nature of the Tool
The Self-Discovery Test has been built as an advanced introspection exercise. Its questions, designed with psychological and coaching criteria, aim to create a "structured map" of the individual's personal dynamics and patterns.
It is clearly divided into two dimensions: Psychological Blocks, based on established theories of human behaviour; and Symbolic Annexes, alternative and archetypal tools that offer useful metaphors for personal development.
2. Reference Frameworks: Psychological Blocks
The report is organized into 12 psychological dimensions —9 main and 3 deepening dimensions— plus 3 complementary annexes. Dimension C is technically split into two consecutive stages (C and C.1 · Role and Shadow), so the journey contains 16 stages while the report groups them into 15 areas.
- Attachment Theory (Bowlby & Ainsworth): Basis for Block B. Helps understand how the individual forms bonds, identifying secure, anxious, avoidant or disorganised attachment patterns.
- Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges): Basis for Block A (Nervous System). Explains the reactions of the autonomic nervous system under stress (fight, flight, fawn, collapse) and the "window of tolerance".
- Analytical Psychology (C.G. Jung): Basis for Block F (Shadow Work). Draws on the Jungian concept of "The Shadow" to explore suppressed or rejected aspects of the psyche.
- Psychoanalytic Defence Mechanisms (Anna Freud): Basis for Block C (Identity & Defences). Maps how the individual protects their ego through adaptation strategies and relational masks.
- Systemic Dynamics & Transactional Models (Karpman / Berne): Basis for Block E (Relationship Patterns). Uses concepts like the Drama Triangle to identify power games, victimhood and rescue dynamics in relationships.
Test Structure: Free vs PRO
To help you understand our assessment system at a glance, the table below shows the main areas covered, the focus of each area, and the level of detail provided in each version:
| Area | What it measures | In Free version | In PRO Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nervous System | Stress, calmness, autonomic regulation, and window of tolerance. | Basic Analysis | Cross-referenced with complete somatic patterns |
| Attachment & Bonds | Attachment style (secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized) and emotional security. | Basic Analysis | Cross-referenced with romantic relationship dynamics |
| Shadow Integration | Projections of the shadow (dark and golden) and repressed aspects. | Basic Analysis | Deep integration with practical exercises and tools |
3. Scoring System and Profile Classification
The test's scoring engine processes responses through a structured three-stage method:
- Weight Accumulation (Raw Scoring): Each option selected by the user adds a score to specific variables within the block based on a mapped matrix rooted in recognized psychological frameworks. This measures the relative strength of each adaptive tendency rather than forcing a single label.
- Proportional Normalization: Raw scores are divided by the maximum observed score within each block. By definition, the highest tendency always receives
1.000and the others are expressed relative to it. This scale compares a person's internal pattern within a block; it does not measure absolute psychological intensity, support clinical comparisons between people, or constitute a validated psychometric score. - Classification Thresholds & Boundaries:
- Dominant Pattern: The dimension in the block that obtains the highest normalized score (exactly
1.000). - Secondary Pattern: Any other dimension that reaches or exceeds a normalized score of
0.450. This indicates an active secondary adaptive strategy in the individual's functioning. - Mixed Pattern: If the difference (spread) between the dominant dimension's score and the second-highest dimension's score is less than
0.100, the engine classifies the entire profile as a Mixed Pattern (e.g., a mixed Fight-Flight profile). This reflects co-dominance and simultaneous activation of both responses in the nervous system.
- Dominant Pattern: The dimension in the block that obtains the highest normalized score (exactly
4. Symbolic and Energetic Annexes
Additionally, the PRO plan includes special annexes that move away from the strictly psychological approach. These are presented explicitly as symbolic, archetypal or energetic readings, and should be understood as complementary metaphors:
- Human Design: A modern synthesis combining astrology, I Ching, Kabbalah and chakras. Used to illustrate energetic tendencies in decision-making.
- Soul Archetypes: Inspired by the work of Caroline Myss and universal Jungian archetypes, it seeks to provide a personal myth that guides purpose.
- Introspective Numerology: A symbolic reading based on date of birth that acts as a tool for reflection on life cycles.
5. Limitations of the Test
Being a self-administered online test, the accuracy of results depends directly on the honesty and self-awareness of the user when answering.
- Does not diagnose disorders: No result should be treated as a diagnosis, a confirmed symptom, or conclusive evidence of a mental health condition.
- Does not replace therapy: If you are experiencing severe emotional distress or active trauma, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.
- Dynamic and changing: Results represent a current "snapshot" of your patterns. As you do personal work, it is expected and desirable that your scores and tendencies will evolve.
6. Reference and Scientific Bibliography
The theoretical foundation of the Self-Discovery Test is grounded in a robust academic bibliography. Key scientific sources and publications supporting our dimensions include:
- Attachment Theory & Relational Dynamics:
- Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. New York: Basic Books.
- Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Lawrence Erlbaum.
- Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press.
- Antonucci, T. C., Sherman, A. M., & Akiyama, H. (2001). Social networks, gender, and aging. In Handbook of aging and the social sciences (pp. 357-377). Academic Press.
- Somatic Regulation & Nervous System:
- Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.
- Analytical Psychology & Shadow Integration:
- Jung, C. G. (1959). Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self (Collected Works Vol. 9, Part 2). Princeton University Press.
- Ego & Defense Mechanisms:
- Freud, A. (1936). The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defence. International Universities Press.
- Systemic Dynamics & Transactional Models:
- Berne, E. (1964). Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships. Grove Press.
- Karpman, S. (1968). Fairy tales and script drama analysis. Transactional Analysis Bulletin, 7(26), 39-43.