Szondi Test

Based On

Szondi, L. (1952). Experimental Diagnostics of Drives.

Introduction

The Szondi Portrait Test is inspired by Leopold Szondi’s drive theory, which proposes that human behavior is influenced by inherited unconscious emotional and instinctual tendencies. This interactive adaptation is designed to explore affective attraction and rejection patterns toward facial expressions representing eight fundamental drive vectors: h (attachment), s (aggression), e (morality), hy (emotional expression), k (fantasy), p (projection), d (attachment-dependency), and m (vitality).

This digital version does not aim to replicate the original clinical Szondi Test but instead provides a structured psychodynamic simulation for self-exploratory and educational purposes. Interpretation is based on response patterns, polarity distribution, and vector tension modeling.

Procedure

The test consists of multiple sets of facial portrait images. In each set, participants are required to:

Select two portraits that feel most emotionally appealing
Select two portraits that feel most emotionally repulsive

Selections are made intuitively without overthinking. The system records emotional preferences and translates them into vector-based psychodynamic profiles. The test typically takes 5–10 minutes to complete.

There are no correct or incorrect responses. Results are generated based on spontaneous emotional choices and are intended for reflective and educational interpretation only.

Participation

This test is designed for adolescents and adults interested in personality exploration, emotional pattern analysis, and psychodynamic self-reflection. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool and should not be used for psychological or psychiatric assessment.

Participation requires honest and instinctive responses to visual stimuli. Users are encouraged to avoid rational analysis during selection to ensure accurate projection-based results.

Change Logs

v3.0 – Introduction of vector-based scoring system and polarity weighting
Enhanced emotional tension index calculation
Improved psychodynamic interpretation structure
Added ambivalence and repetition detection logic

This version enhances interpretative depth by integrating polarity intensity markers (!, !!), conflict detection, and vector opposition modeling.

Versions & Translations

The Szondi Portrait Test is currently available in English only. Multilingual versions are planned for future updates following validation of interpretive consistency across languages.

Source

Szondi, L. (1952). Experimental Diagnostics of Drives. Zurich: Huber.