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The problematic core beliefs self report


Core beliefs are the fundamental assumptions we hold about ourselves, the world, and our place within it. These deeply ingrained perspectives act as invisible filters, shaping how we interpret experiences and interact with life. While various theorists have explored this concept with varying degrees of complexity, understanding the core beliefs of “unlovability,” “vulnerability,” and “unworthiness” offers a practical and accessible framework for understanding and practical use.

Remember, these core beliefs are not “wrong” or “bad” nor are they unique to any one person. They are, in fact, universal human experiences. Everyone on this planet grapples with the desires to be loved, feel safe, and believe in their own worth. However, the intensity to which these beliefs grips one’s life varies greatly from person to person. This test will help us understand which ones are disruptive to us and which aren’t.

Instructions: Please read each statement carefully and choose the answer that best reflects how often you experience the feeling described. Some question may seem repetitive, but they aren’t, so read the entire question.

The results below do not indicate a pathology or disorder, only the degree to which these beliefs may be disruptive to your own experience of life. There are no cutoffs.

 

 

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1.I hesitate to reach out to friends or family for support because I worry they will reject me. *
2.I struggle to celebrate other people’s successes because I feel envious or left out. *
3.When someone cancels plans on me, I take it personally and feel like I’m not important to them. *
4.I find it difficult to express my emotions and needs openly for fear of the other person not liking me. *
5.I feel like all the people I love will leave me. *
6.I worry that people only tolerate me or stay in my life out of obligation. *
7.I go out of my way to keep people in my life. *
8.I become very dependent on the people I love. *
9.I become very scared when someone I like, gets closer to someone else. *
10.I constantly worry about people using me or taking advantage of me. *
11.I avoid taking risks or trying new things because I fear being manipulated or taken advantage of. *
12.I cannot trust anybody other than myself. *
13.I am easily startled by unexpected noises or changes, making me feel on edge. *
14.I frequently have negative thoughts about people plotting against me. *
15.I have difficulty letting go of past negative experiences where I felt exploited or threatened, and tend to dwell on them and hold grudges. *
16.I have difficulty trusting the intentions of others, even those who seem kind. *
17.No matter how much I achieve, I feel like I should be doing better. *
18.I compare myself to others abilities constantly and often feel like I come up short. *
19.I have a strong inner critic that constantly judges and belittles my actions and thoughts, making me anxious. *
20.I downplay my accomplishments and minimize my successes to avoid appearing arrogant. *
21.I am overly critical of myself and my mistakes, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety. *
22.I find it difficult to forgive myself for past mistakes and tend to hold onto feelings of regret, which fuels anxiety. *
23.I find it challenging to ask for help or support because I feel like I should be able to handle things on my own, and asking makes me feel anxious and inadequate. *
24.I find it difficult to take pride in my accomplishments and celebrate my successes because I feel anxious and undeserving. *
25.I constantly worry about failing or disappointing others, leading to anxiety. *
26.After spending time with others, I often feel emotionally drained and unseen. *