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QUESTIONNAIRE: CHECK YOUR PERSONALITY STRESS FACTORS

This questionnaire is made up of four categories of questions, grouped together according to the stress types we looked at in the previous chapter. Make a note of each statement that is true for you, giving yourself 1 point for each. Try to do this quickly, without pondering over individual statements for too long.

WHAT ANXIOUS PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THEMSELVES

 Others take advantage of me but I feel unable to stop them.

 I am very upset by rows, even if they are between other people.

 I prefer the devil I know rather than change to something new, even if it could be better for me.

 I find it difficult to express my needs to others because I feel this might be selfish and self-indulgent.

 Even if the other person has made a mistake, it is me who ends up apologizing.

WHAT STIMULUS-SEEKERS SAY ABOUT THEMSELVES

 I get bored easily.

 The only way you can further yourself is by taking risks.

 I find it difficult to see a task through to the end.

 I cannot be bothered with fiddly details.

 I could never fit into an environment that required me to do routine work.

 I do not like to be tied down in a steady relationship.

 My business ventures take precedence over any private matters.

 I am always thinking up new projects and ventures.

WHAT AMBITIOUS (A-TYPE) PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THEMSELVES

 I am totally dedicated to any task I undertake.

 I will always make sure I complete anything I start.

 I can focus on my work to the total exclusion of other things.

 I often forget to eat because I am so engrossed in my work.

 I am only happy when I have a full diary.

 I do not have time for a social life unless it is in connection with my work.

 I can never really switch off from work.

 I find it very difficult to take the initiative, either socially or professionally.

 I cannot openly show my emotions, especially not the negative ones like anger or annoyance.

 I never seem to get what I want.

WHAT PERFECTIONISTS SAY ABOUT THEMSELVES

 I need to have everything ‘just so’.

 I plan and carry out any work I do to the highest possible standard.

 I greatly dislike it when my daily routine gets disrupted.

 I am upset when things are not done as they should be done.

 I get very agitated when I am prevented from finishing a job properly; I can only relax when all the ‘t’s are crossed and ‘i’s dotted.

 My thoroughness makes me fall behind quite often.

 I find myself mulling over how I could have done things better in the past.

 When I have made only one small mistake, I have to do the whole job again, no matter how trivial the job itself is.

 As soon as I have accomplished one task, I start on the next one.

How many points did you get in each section?

If you have four or more points in any one category, you have a strong tendency towards that personality type.

Very few people are a ‘classic’ specimen of any of the four types, but knowing which of the four you are most similar to can give you a good starting point for understanding what is driving you and how you can make adjustments to reduce your stress levels.