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How Controlling Are You?

20 Questions
3 Minutes

Can you go with the flow?

People differ in their desire to control the world around them; some are easygoing and flexible while others are domineering and rigid—which may harm their well-being and relationships. Take this test to see where you fall on the spectrum.

Using the key below, answer the questions based on how often the statement applies to you.

Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
1. I feel the need to be in control of most situations.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
2. At work, I micromanage others or try to control all parts of a project.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
3. I restrict how my loved ones spend their time and who they see.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
4. I tend to manipulate situations to get my desired outcomes.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Macrovector/Shutterstock
5. I’m happy to defer to others when making group decisions.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
6. I want to have complete control over my emotions.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
7. In a romantic relationship, I tend to control the finances.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
8. I make others do things that they may not want to do.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
9. I sometimes put people down when they get “too big for their boots”.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
10. I trust my partner and don’t question their whereabouts or behaviors.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
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11. When I get sick, I feel anxious that I can’t control my body.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
12. I tend to micromanage others' activities.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
13. Self-discipline is important to me.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
14. I find it difficult to accept other people's decisions without objection.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Macrovector/Shutterstock
15. I feel responsible for others' happiness.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
16. I feel comfortable in new situations, even if I don't know what will happen.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
17. When dealing with a medical problem, I'm anxious to understand all aspects of it.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
18. I pester people if they’re not doing what I want.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
19. I expect others to follow my instructions.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
20. It’s important to maintain control in stressful situations.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Psychology Today's online self-tests are intended for informational purposes only and are not diagnostic tools. Psychology Today does not capture or store personally identifiable information, and your identity cannot be determined from your responses. Aggregated self-test responses are stored to improve the tests and provide performance comparisons. Psychology Today uses third party cookies such as Google Analytics to collect visitor data on this page without sharing any personal data, ensuring your identity cannot be determined from your visit. There are no advertising partners included on these self-test pages. If you wish to remove cookies from this site or opt out of data sharing, please click 'Do not share or sell my personal information' below. For a reliable medical diagnosis, please consult a professional.

Who Is This Test For?

This test is for anyone who wants to explore their need for control. It is intended for adults and is not intended to be diagnostic. 

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

How to Get Help

If you feel worried that you’re too controlling, in your relationships, identity, or career, seeking the help of a therapist can be beneficial. Find a professional near you in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

Sources

Graham-Kevar, et al. Controlling Behavior Scale - Revised CBS-R.

L. Uziel, et al. Desire for Control Scale (DFC).

K. Wallston. Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales. Form A.

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