Self Tests > Personality > Are You a Good Person?
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Are You a Good Person?

20 Questions
3 Minutes

Are you fundamentally altruistic, or just a little bit selfish?

Altruism, or helping others even at some cost to ourselves, is an instinct that has bound people together throughout human history. For some, it comes naturally. For others, looking beyond themselves is a struggle. On the continuum between altruism and selfishness, where do you land? Consider these questions to find out.

Answer the questions below based on how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement.

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Strongly Agree
Agree
1. I’m less likely to be charitable if no one will ever find out.
Disagree
Agree
2. When a friend or family member calls me with a problem, I drop whatever I’m doing to listen or help.
Disagree
Agree
3. When I see someone being pushed around or bullied, I think it’s important for me to speak up.
Disagree
Agree
4. I’m more likely to help someone who’s in a position to reciprocate by doing something for me.
Disagree
Agree
Macrovector/Shutterstock
5. If I encountered a tearful stranger, I wouldn’t stop to ask what was wrong.
Disagree
Agree
6. I tip generously, even if the service or meal isn’t special.
Disagree
Agree
7. When I help a friend or colleague, I expect them to return the favor at some point.
Disagree
Agree
8. When I take action to help someone who needs it, I feel energized and happy.
Disagree
Agree
9. I feel badly when I see someone struggling, even if I don’t particularly like the individual.
Disagree
Agree
10. Someone suffering or in need deserves help, no matter who they are.
Disagree
Agree
Macrovector/Shutterstock
11. I pick up trash I find in my favorite park, even if no one is looking.
Disagree
Agree
12. I’m unlikely to donate to a cause that doesn’t directly affect me or someone in my life.
Disagree
Agree
13. When I’m sitting on a crowded bus, and an elderly or pregnant person steps on, I want to be the first one to offer them a seat.
Disagree
Agree
14. When a store undercharges me, I keep quiet and celebrate my bonus.
Disagree
Agree
Macrovector/Shutterstock
15. I don’t give money to people on the street because I don’t know their circumstances or criminal record.
Disagree
Agree
16. When I see people who look lost, I like to stop and ask them if they need help or directions.
Disagree
Agree
17. When I’m looking for a new activity, I am likely to at least consider joining a group of volunteers.
Disagree
Agree
18. I find it easy to mentally put myself in someone else’s shoes.
Disagree
Agree
19. I’ll let a driver merge into my lane if other cars fail to do so.
Disagree
Agree
20. When I see that a co-worker seems overwhelmed, I keep my head down and focus on my own work.
Disagree
Agree
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Who Is This Test For?

This test is for anyone curious about what makes people altruistic or concerned that they may not be altruistic enough.

We value your privacy - see how we protect the info you provide when you take this test.

How to Get Help

If you worry that you might be selfish or not open to helping others, and think that these instincts may be limiting you personally or socially, you can speak to a mental health professional about ways to change. You can find a clinician in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

Sources

Altruism Basic. Psychology Today.

Ethics and Morality Basic. Psychology Today.

Altruism, Happiness, and Health: It's Good to Be Good. International Journal of Behavioral. 2005. S.G. Post.

World Happiness Report. “Doing Good and Feeling Good: Relationships Between Altruism and Well-being for Altruists, Beneficiaries, and Observers,” 2023.

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