Methodology & References
Understanding the science behind your personality insights
Our Approach
Selfward combines established self-discovery instruments with modern AI technology to provide comprehensive, personalized insights into your personality, wellness, and life patterns.
We use only validated, peer-reviewed instruments from psychological research. Each assessment has been tested for reliability and validity across diverse populations.
Assessment Methodology
Validated Instruments
All our assessments use established psychological instruments with documented psychometric properties, including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity.
Standardized Scoring
We implement the original scoring algorithms exactly as specified by the instrument authors, ensuring accurate results that align with published research.
AI-Powered Insights
Our AI interprets your results in context, connecting patterns across instruments to provide integrated, personalized insights rather than isolated scores.
Privacy-First Design
Your data is never used for AI training. Assessment responses are processed securely and remain under your control at all times.
Assessment Instruments & References
IPIP-50 (Big Five Personality)
International Personality Item Pool
Goldberg, L. R. (1999). A broad-bandwidth, public domain, personality inventory measuring the lower-level facets of several five-factor models.
License: Public Domain
PHQ-9 (Depression Screening)
Patient Health Questionnaire
Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure.
License: Public Domain
GAD-7 (Anxiety Screening)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale
Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder.
License: Public Domain
PCL-5 (PTSD Screening)
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5
Weathers, F. W., et al. (2013). The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).
License: Public Domain (VA/NCPTSD)
ECR-RS (Attachment Style)
Experiences in Close Relationships - Relationship Structures
Fraley, R. C., Heffernan, M. E., Vicary, A. M., & Brumbaugh, C. C. (2011). The Experiences in Close Relationships—Relationship Structures questionnaire.
License: Free for research and clinical use
SWLS (Life Satisfaction)
Satisfaction with Life Scale
Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction with Life Scale.
License: Free with attribution
SCS-SF (Self-Compassion)
Self-Compassion Scale - Short Form
Raes, F., Pommier, E., Neff, K. D., & Van Gucht, D. (2011). Construction and factorial validation of a short form of the Self-Compassion Scale.
License: Free for research
DERS-SF (Emotion Regulation)
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - Short Form
Kaufman, E. A., et al. (2016). The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale Short Form (DERS-SF).
License: Free for research
DTS (Distress Tolerance)
Distress Tolerance Scale
Simons, J. S., & Gaher, R. M. (2005). The Distress Tolerance Scale: Development and validation.
License: Free for research
ASRS-5 (ADHD Screening)
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener
Kessler, R. C., et al. (2005). The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS).
License: WHO License
AQ-10 (Autism Screening)
Autism Spectrum Quotient - 10 Item
Allison, C., Auyeung, B., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2012). Toward brief "Red Flags" for autism screening.
License: Free for clinical use
HSP Scale (Sensory Sensitivity)
Highly Sensitive Person Scale
Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (1997). Sensory-processing sensitivity and its relation to introversion and emotionality.
License: Free for research
O*NET Interest Profiler (Career Interests)
O*NET Resource Center
Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments.
License: Public Domain (US Dept of Labor)
PVQ-21 (Personal Values)
Portrait Values Questionnaire
Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values.
License: Academic use
Research Disclaimer
While our instruments use validated research frameworks, Selfward is a self-discovery and personal growth tool, not a professional evaluation. Results are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional guidance. Only a licensed clinician can provide personalized professional support.
Research Inquiries
For questions about our methodology or to discuss research collaborations, contact us at research@selfward.ai