Borderline Traits Test: What It Measures and How to Read Your Score

This test assesses TRAITS of emotional and relational instability (borderline register), inspired by the McLean Screening Instrument for BPD (Zanarini, 2003, a screening tool) and the PID-5: emotional lability, fear of abandonment, instability of relationships and self-image, impulsivity. This is SCREENING, never a diagnosis: borderline self-diagnosis is very widespread and often mistaken. The good news: it is one of the disorders whose prognosis has improved the most (dialectical behaviour therapy, schema therapy). Only a professional can make a diagnosis.

In the article that follows, I explore emotional intensity and the fear of abandonment. If you recognize yourself in this theme, I designed a borderline personality test that helps you take stock of your traits of emotional and relational instability. It comes with a guide to extend your reflection beyond the results. I also wrote a book on this subject, Your Thoughts Don’t Have to Run Your Life, if you would like to go further.

What the test measures

• Intense, shifting emotions that are difficult to regulate.
• Intense fear of being left, and efforts to avoid abandonment.
• Rollercoaster relationships (idealisation/devaluation), a fluctuating sense of self.
• Impulsive behaviours that may be damaging (spending, driving, thrill-seeking, etc.).

Take the test: Emotion Regulation → — If intense emotions that are hard to regulate resonate with your experience, this test helps locate where the regulation difficulty plays out, without making a diagnosis.

How to read your score

The result reads as an intensity, not as a diagnosis:

• Low traits: The measured traits are weak or balanced; they do not strongly shape the way you function.
• Moderate traits: Moderate traits emerge along the different axes.
• Marked traits: Clear traits stand out and colour the way you function.
• Very marked traits (non-diagnostic screening): Dominant traits emerge. This test makes no diagnosis: only a professional can, after a full clinical assessment.

What your full report contains

The detailed PDF report includes:

• Introduction: This test assesses TRAITS of emotional and relational instability (borderline register), inspired by the McLean Screening Instrument for BPD (Zanarini, 2003, a screening tool) and the PID-5: emotional lability, fear of abandonment, instability of relationships and self-image, impulsivity. This is SCREENING, never a diagnosis: borderline self-diagnosis is very widespread and often mistaken.
• Dimension-by-Dimension Analysis: Each dimension is analysed individually to situate your traits.
• Overall Score: Your overall score reflects the global intensity of these traits; it does not constitute a diagnosis.
• Recommendations: Avenues tailored to your profile to better understand your traits.

The full personalised report (your precise score, your profile by dimension, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

• You recognise yourself in borderline traits, emotional instability, and want to see more clearly.
• You want a structured reading rather than a vague impression.
• You are looking for an objective starting point before speaking to a professional if needed.

Take the test: Childhood Trauma → — 60 questions, anonymous, PDF report.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 60 questions, around 8 min. The test has 60 questions. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and provides benchmarks; only a professional makes a diagnosis. Are my answers confidential? Yes: the test is 100% anonymous and the report is delivered directly to you.

---

👉 Start the Borderline Traits test → — 60 questions, immediate result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.