Jordan Peterson’s personality test is based on one of the most scientifically recognized models in modern psychology — the Big Five personality traits. Unlike other personality tests that categorize people into fixed types, this test measures personality across five broad dimensions, each representing a spectrum of human behavior. The goal of Jordan Peterson’s personality test is to provide an objective, data-driven look at your personality and how it shapes your emotions, actions, and interactions.
By understanding your results, you can gain deeper insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for personal development. The test has become popular among individuals interested in psychology, self-improvement, and personality science.
What Is Jordan Peterson’s Personality Test?
Jordan Peterson’s personality test is an assessment tool designed to measure your standing on the Big Five personality traits — a model used widely in academic psychology. The Big Five model breaks down personality into five major domains:
- Openness to Experience: Creativity, imagination, curiosity, and appreciation for new ideas and experiences.
- Conscientiousness: Organization, self-discipline, reliability, and attention to detail.
- Extraversion: Sociability, enthusiasm, assertiveness, and energy in social situations.
- Agreeableness: Compassion, empathy, trust, and willingness to cooperate with others.
- Neuroticism: Emotional sensitivity, mood stability, and tendency toward stress or anxiety.
Each person receives a score on a continuum for every trait — meaning no single result defines you entirely. Instead, Jordan Peterson’s personality test provides a detailed personality profile based on scientific data rather than typology or stereotypes.
The Science Behind Jordan Peterson’s Personality Test
The foundation of Jordan Peterson’s personality test lies in the Five-Factor Model (FFM), also known as the Big Five. This model emerged from decades of psychological research and statistical analysis that identified five recurring dimensions of personality found across all cultures and age groups.
Peterson’s version of the test uses the lexical hypothesis — the idea that the most significant personality traits are embedded in everyday language. It combines this with validated psychological measures to create a comprehensive, reliable personality profile. The test is not meant to label or judge individuals but to reveal patterns of thought and behavior grounded in empirical data.
The Five Dimensions in Jordan Peterson’s Personality Test Explained
To fully understand Jordan Peterson’s personality test, it’s important to explore what each of the Big Five traits represents and how your score might reflect your personality tendencies.
1. Openness to Experience
This trait reflects intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to embrace new ideas. People high in openness enjoy art, abstract thinking, and innovation. Those lower in openness prefer familiarity, tradition, and practicality.
- High openness: Imaginative, curious, artistic, and open-minded.
- Low openness: Practical, conventional, and focused on concrete realities.
2. Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness measures discipline, organization, and reliability. People high in this trait tend to be responsible and hard-working, while those lower in conscientiousness are more spontaneous and flexible.
- High conscientiousness: Organized, goal-oriented, and dependable.
- Low conscientiousness: Easy-going, adaptable, but sometimes less consistent.
3. Extraversion
Extraversion describes how outgoing and energetic you are in social contexts. High scorers enjoy being around people and seek excitement, while low scorers (introverts) prefer calm, solitary environments.
- High extraversion: Sociable, confident, energetic, and assertive.
- Low extraversion (introversion): Reserved, thoughtful, and independent.
4. Agreeableness
This dimension reflects how cooperative and compassionate you are toward others. High agreeableness is associated with kindness and empathy, while low agreeableness is linked to competitiveness and directness.
- High agreeableness: Helpful, empathetic, and trusting.
- Low agreeableness: Assertive, skeptical, and focused on personal goals.
5. Neuroticism
Neuroticism measures emotional stability and sensitivity to stress. Those with higher scores experience stronger emotional reactions, while those lower in neuroticism tend to remain calm and even-tempered.
- High neuroticism: Sensitive, anxious, and prone to mood swings.
- Low neuroticism: Emotionally stable, relaxed, and resilient under stress.
Why Take Jordan Peterson’s Personality Test?
Jordan Peterson’s personality test can offer valuable self-knowledge and help you make more informed life decisions. By understanding your personality profile, you can gain insight into your motivations, strengths, and behavioral patterns.
Benefits of taking Jordan Peterson’s personality test include:
- Self-awareness: Learn how your traits influence your thoughts, emotions, and decisions.
- Career guidance: Identify professions and roles that align with your natural preferences.
- Relationship improvement: Understand how your personality affects communication and compatibility.
- Personal growth: Recognize areas where you can improve or develop emotional resilience.
- Leadership insight: Discover how your personality impacts your decision-making and management style.
How Jordan Peterson’s Personality Test Differs from Other Tests
Unlike tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which assigns individuals to one of 16 personality types, Jordan Peterson’s personality test uses a scientific, data-based approach. It measures personality along continuous spectrums rather than placing people into categories. This allows for more accuracy and nuance when understanding your results.
Additionally, while many personality tests focus on preferences or typologies, the Big Five framework measures stable, observable traits that have been consistently validated in psychological research. This makes Jordan Peterson’s personality test both reliable and practical for personal or professional development.
Interpreting the Results of Jordan Peterson’s Personality Test
After completing the test, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of your scores for each of the Big Five traits. Each score shows where you fall on the spectrum — for example, whether you’re highly conscientious, moderately agreeable, or low in neuroticism.
When interpreting your results, remember that no score is “good” or “bad.” Every personality profile has its strengths and potential challenges. For example:
- High openness fosters creativity but may lead to distraction.
- High conscientiousness improves productivity but can create rigidity.
- Low agreeableness supports assertiveness but may reduce empathy.
The key is to use your results as a tool for reflection and growth, not as a rigid label.
Applications of Jordan Peterson’s Personality Test
Because the Big Five model has strong scientific support, Jordan Peterson’s personality test can be applied across various areas of life, including:
- Work and business: Enhancing teamwork, communication, and leadership styles.
- Education: Understanding learning preferences and motivation.
- Therapy and coaching: Providing a foundation for personal development and behavioral insight.
- Relationships: Helping individuals understand compatibility and emotional patterns.
Final Thoughts
Jordan Peterson’s personality test offers a clear, scientific way to explore your personality through the Big Five model. By understanding your unique combination of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, you can gain greater control over your decisions, habits, and personal growth.
Whether you’re seeking to improve your relationships, strengthen your career direction, or deepen your self-awareness, Jordan Peterson’s personality test provides a reliable foundation for understanding who you are — and how you can grow into your best self.