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Free Personality Test (PID-5-BF)

Explore your personality across 5 DSM-5 domains with the PID-5 Brief Form. Free, anonymous, instant results with a domain-by-domain breakdown.

The PID-5-BF - developed by Krueger et al. (2013), DSM-5 personality model

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Personality Inventory for DSM-5 - Brief Form (PID-5-BF)

The PID-5-BF (Krueger et al. 2013) is a 25-item self-report measure of personality across 5 dimensions used in the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders. The 5 domains - negative affectivity, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, psychoticism - capture the broad architecture of personality difficulties. Scores from 0-75 fall into four bands: normal, subclinical, clinical, severe. This is an educational self-assessment, NOT a clinical diagnosis.

  • 25 items across 5 personality domains (5 items each)
  • Takes about 7 minutes to complete
  • 100% free and anonymous - no email or account required
  • Domain-by-domain breakdown shows where elevation lies
  • Used in DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders research
  • Educational tool - not a clinical diagnosis. Personality is dimensional
Krueger, R. F., Derringer, J., Markon, K. E., Watson, D., & Skodol, A. E. (2013). The personality inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form (PID-5-BF)-Adult. American Psychiatric Association.

About the online PID-5-BF

The PID-5-BF measures personality across 5 dimensions used in the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders. Unlike older categorical models, the DSM-5 alternative model treats personality as a continuum: everyone sits somewhere on each dimension, and elevation reflects the strength of trait, not a binary label.

This free version uses the standard 25-item PID-5-BF. You answer how true each statement is for you. You then get a total score from 0 to 75 plus a domain breakdown - useful for self-reflection, for understanding patterns over time, or as a starting point for a conversation with a therapist.

Time

7 minutes

Items

25 items

Domains

5 domains

Validation

Krueger, 2013

Important: The PID-5-BF is an educational tool, not a clinical diagnosis. Only a qualified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can make a personality-disorder diagnosis after a full assessment.

Why take the PID-5-BF?

DSM-5 dimensional model

The current scientific consensus on personality structure

Instant, anonymous result

No email, no waiting, no account

Domain breakdown

See which of the 5 domains shows the most elevation

Useful starting point for therapy

Many therapists welcome the PID-5-BF as a conversation starter

Sample items from the PID-5-BF

Disinhibition

People would describe me as reckless.

Detachment

I often feel like nothing I do really matters.

Negative affectivity

I worry about almost everything.

Antagonism

It's no big deal if I hurt other people's feelings.

Frequently asked questions

What is the PID-5-BF?+
The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 - Brief Form (PID-5-BF) is a 25-item self-report measure developed by Krueger et al. (2013). It captures 5 personality domains used in the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders: negative affectivity, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism.
How long does the test take?+
About 7 minutes. The 25 items ask how true each statement is for you, on a 4-point scale (Very false → Very true).
Is the test free and anonymous?+
Yes - 100% free and anonymous. We do not ask for your name, email or any personal details to show you your results.
How is the score interpreted?+
Scores range from 0 to 75 across the 5 domains. Cut-offs: 0-25 = normal range, 26-35 = subclinical, 36-47 = clinical (notable deviation), 48-75 = severe. The breakdown by domain shows where the most elevation lies.
What do the 5 domains mean?+
Negative affectivity = tendency toward intense negative emotions and worry. Detachment = withdrawal from relationships and lack of pleasure. Antagonism = manipulation, lack of empathy, grandiosity. Disinhibition = impulsive, reckless behaviour. Psychoticism = unusual perceptual experiences and eccentric thinking. Everyone sits somewhere on each dimension.
Can the PID-5-BF diagnose a personality disorder?+
No - it is an educational self-assessment, not a clinical diagnosis. Personality assessment is dimensional and complex. Only a qualified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can make a personality-disorder diagnosis. Use this result as a starting point for self-reflection or for a conversation with a professional.
What should I do if my score is high?+
A high score is information about personality patterns, not a problem in itself. If you want to understand the patterns better, schema therapy, CBT, DBT, and Mentalisation-Based Therapy are all evidence-based approaches for personality difficulties. Your GP can refer you to NHS specialist psychological services for assessment.

Ready to take the PID-5-BF?

7 minutes. Anonymous. Free. Domain breakdown across 5 personality dimensions.

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Studying psychology or training as a therapist?

If you came here looking up the PID-5-BF rather than taking the test, you are probably a student, a trainee or a researcher. We work with qualified therapists in the UK, and we would rather help you get there than wait until you have already chosen where to build your practice.

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