Your character isn’t just a collection of habits—it’s the unique combination of strengths and quirks that shapes how you navigate the world. German psychiatrist Karl Leonhard, in his influential 1976 book Accentuated Personalities, introduced the concept of accentuation. He explained that an accentuation is when a particular personality trait is so pronounced that it stands out sharply, as if it's been highlighted. It's crucial to understand that this is not a disorder but rather a distinct feature of one's character. This feature can be a source of strength, helping you shine in certain situations, or it can cause challenges, especially under stress. For example, a person with a hyperthymic accentuation—typically energetic, optimistic, and sociable—makes friends easily but might struggle with tasks requiring patience and careful attention to detail.

Leonhard identified 10 primary types of accentuations. Building on this framework, German psychotherapist Hans Schmieszek developed a practical diagnostic tool in 1970: a test consisting of 88 questions. Schmieszek designed the test for simplicity, requiring only a “yes” or “no” answer to statements about yourself. A special feature of this questionnaire is its built-in validation mechanism: a “lie scale” designed to detect if a person is trying to present themselves in an overly favorable light. If the score on this scale is too high, the results are considered unreliable. In psychology, this test is a classic example of the typological approach—Leonhard's theory posited that these accentuations often form during childhood and can significantly influence a person's career choices, social interactions, and relationships. Modern studies support this, suggesting that individuals with pronounced accentuations often excel in fields compatible with their traits but may face interpersonal conflicts if they remain unaware of their inherent weaknesses.

The Schmieszek Questionnaire

The test typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete. For the most accurate results, answer honestly and spontaneously, without overthinking your responses. For each statement below, note the number and your answer: “yes” (if you agree) or “no” (if you disagree). At the end, you will use the provided keys to score your results.

1. I easily make new acquaintances.
2. I love being the center of attention.
3. I often feel tired.
4. I’m meticulous about details.
5. I hold grudges for a long time.
6. I get angry quickly.
7. I enjoy taking risks.
8. I’m afraid of the dark or being alone.
9. My mood changes often.
10. I’m empathetic and easily feel for others.
11. I like to plan everything in advance.
12. I don’t like being criticized.
13. I’m active in social settings.
14. I showcase my achievements.
15. I’m pessimistic by nature.
16. I’m reserved in unfamiliar settings.
17. I’m persistent in reaching goals.
18. I get annoyed by small things.
19. I love adventures and novelty.
20. I worry about my health.
21. I often feel sad for no reason.
22. I’m sensitive to insults.
23. I love order in everything.
24. I’m stubborn in arguments.
25. I make impulsive decisions.
26. I’m afraid of failure.
27. I’m emotionally unstable.
28. I’m compassionate toward the weak.
29. I’m a perfectionist.
30. I don’t forget others’ mistakes.
31. I’m quick-tempered.
32. I’m anxious before important events.
33. My mood swings between high and low.
34. I like helping friends.
35. I’m methodical in my work.
36. I dwell on problems.
37. I’m aggressive in conflicts.
38. I lack confidence.
39. I quickly forget offenses.
40. I’m sensitive to criticism.
41. I enjoy attention.
42. I’m consistently optimistic.
43. I’m melancholic.
44. I’m punctual.
45. I’m vengeful.
46. I’m impatient.
47. I’m an extrovert.
48. I’m afraid of heights or speed.
49. I get depressed under stress.
50. I’m empathetic toward animals.
51. I love cleanliness.
52. I’m prejudiced.
53. I’m hot-headed.
54. I’m anxious about the future.
55. My mood is cyclical—up and down.
56. I’m caring.
57. I’m systematic.
58. I get offended by small things.
59. I’m confrontational.
60. I’m shy.
61. I’m cheerful.
62. I’m dramatic in expressing emotions.
63. I’m gloomy.
64. I’m time-conscious.
65. I’m spiteful.
66. I’m irritable.
67. I’m bold.
68. I’m cowardly in danger.
69. I’m manic—overly cheerful.
70. I’m sentimental.
71. I’m organized.
72. I obsess over ideas.
73. I’m angry.
74. I’m restless.
75. I’m depressed.
76. I’m empathetic.
77. I’m disciplined.
78. I’m vindictive.
79. I’m impulsive.
80. I’m anxious.
81. My mood is unstable.
82. I’m kind.
83. I’m neat.
84. I’m obstinate.
85. I’m aggressive.
86. I’m timid.
87. I’m hyperthymic.
88. I’m exalted—emotionally intense.

Scoring and Interpretation

To calculate your score, review the keys below. For each personality type, you will count the number of your answers that match the specified response ("yes" or "no"). Add these points together and multiply the total by the coefficient given for that scale. The maximum possible score for any scale is 24. A score between 7 and 12 is considered within the normal range. A score above 12 suggests a pronounced trait, and a score above 18 indicates a strong accentuation that significantly shapes your behavior and life experiences.

• Demonstrative Type: (Coefficient: 2) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 2, 14, 26, 38, 41, 50, 62, 74, 86. Count 1 point for each "no" on questions: 64, 76. Sum the points and multiply by 2. (Charismatic, artistic, but can be theatrical and manipulative).
• Stuck (Rigid) Type: (Coefficient: 2) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 5, 12, 17, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 66, 78, 84. Sum the points and multiply by 2. (Persistent and ambitious, but can be resentful, hold grudges, and be overly suspicious).
• Pedantic Type: (Coefficient: 2) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 4, 11, 23, 29, 35, 44, 51, 57, 65, 71, 77, 83. Sum the points and multiply by 2. (Orderly, responsible, and meticulous, but can be rigid, indecisive, and prone to formalism).
• Excitable Type: (Coefficient: 2) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 6, 18, 31, 43, 46, 55, 67, 73, 79. Count 1 point for each "no" on question: 39. Sum the points and multiply by 2. (Energetic and driven, but can be impulsive, quick-tempered, and aggressive in conflicts).
• Hyperthymic Type: (Coefficient: 2) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 1, 13, 25, 42, 49, 61, 73, 85. Count 1 point for each "no" on questions: 21, 57, 81. Sum the points and multiply by 2. (Energetic, sociable, and optimistic, but can be superficial, unreliable, and prone to taking unnecessary risks).
• Dysthymic Type: (Coefficient: 2) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 3, 15, 27, 45, 51, 63, 75, 87. Count 1 point for each "no" on questions: 49, 61. Sum the points and multiply by 2. (Serious, conscientious, and reliable, but often pessimistic, withdrawn, and gloomy).
• Anxious (Fearful) Type: (Coefficient: 2) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 8, 20, 32, 48, 56, 68, 80. Count 1 point for each "no" on questions: 13, 25, 37, 49, 67, 85. Sum the points and multiply by 2. (Fearful, shy, and cautious, but also vulnerable and lacking confidence).
• Cyclothymic Type: (Coefficient: 2) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 9, 21, 33, 45, 57, 69, 81. Sum the points and multiply by 2. (Experiences cyclical mood swings between high (hyperthymic) and low (dysthymic) states; adaptable but unstable).
• Exalted (Affective) Type: (Coefficient: 3) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 10, 22, 34, 58, 70, 82. Count 1 point for each "no" on questions: 3, 15. Sum the points and multiply by 3. (Highly emotional and enthusiastic, but can be dramatic, overly intense, and prone to despair).
• Emotive Type: (Coefficient: 3) Count 1 point for each "yes" on questions: 10, 28, 34, 50, 58, 70, 82. Count 1 point for each "no" on question: 6. Sum the points and multiply by 3. (Sensitive, empathetic, and kind-hearted, but can be overly vulnerable and easily moved to tears).

Lie Scale: The lie scale is used to check the sincerity of your answers. Count 1 point for each "no" response to the following questions: 15, 30, 45, 60, 75. If your total score is 4 or 5, it suggests you may have been trying to present yourself in a better light, and the test results might not be accurate. In this case, it is recommended to retake the test, answering more candidly.

The scale with your highest score indicates your main accentuation. If two or three scales have similarly high scores, it suggests a combination of these personality types. Remember, accentuations are not flaws; they are a guide for personal growth. A hyperthymic person could be a great salesperson or leader, while an anxious individual might excel as a meticulous analyst or researcher. By understanding your pronounced traits, you can leverage your strengths and manage your weaknesses. If any of the insights from this test feel concerning or you wish to explore them further, consider speaking with a qualified psychologist. This test is best used as a mirror—a tool to better understand the unique person you are.

References

• Leonhard, K. (1976). Akzentuierte Persönlichkeiten. Berlin: VEB Verlag Volk und Gesundheit.
  (Annotation: This is the foundational German-language text by Karl Leonhard where he first detailed his theory of the 10 types of accentuated personalities. It provides the theoretical basis for the Schmieszek test and remains a key work in German psychiatry and characterology.)
• Schmieschek, H. (1970). Fragebogen zur Ermittlung akzentuierter Persönlichkeiten. Psychiatrie, Neurologie und medizinische Psychologie, 22(10), 378-381.
  (Annotation: This is the original scientific paper by Hans Schmieszek that introduced the 88-question questionnaire. It describes the development and purpose of the test as a tool for identifying the accentuated personalities described by Leonhard.)