Do I suffer from feelings of guilt? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Recognising Burdensome Feelings of Guilt

Do you ask yourself: "Are my feelings of guilt normal or exaggerated?", "Why do I feel constantly responsible for everything?" or "How can I deal with burdensome guilt?" These questions matter, because excessive guilt can significantly impair our quality of life.

Do you recognise yourself in these situations?

  • You often blame yourself for things beyond your control?
  • You find it hard to say "no" out of fear of disappointing others?
  • You often take responsibility for the well-being of others?
  • You ruminate for a long time about past decisions and regret them?

This test helps you assess whether your guilt has reached a burdensome level and which psychological factors may play a role.

Originally written in German — read the original here: Schuldgefühle-Test.

Feelings of Guilt Test: 15 Questions

All questions refer to the last 14 days. The answer options are scaled like a grading system — the first option counts as one point, the last as five. Choose one answer per question and click Evaluate Now at the end.

1. Do you often feel that you have done something wrong without knowing exactly what?

2. Do you often think about past mistakes and feel guilty?

3. Do you find it hard to forgive yourself for mistakes?

4. Do you often take responsibility for things that are not directly in your control?

5. Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself or prioritise your own needs?

6. Do you believe you have disappointed others through your behaviour?

7. Do you tend to apologise for things that are not actually your fault?

8. Are you afraid of voicing your opinion to others because you think it might hurt them?

9. Do you often think you could be doing more to help others or make them happy?

10. Do you often feel guilty when you decline something or say no?

11. Do you believe that others might judge you for your mistakes or decisions?

12. Do you tend to compare yourself with others and think you should have achieved more?

13. Do you feel that you are not enough or that you have let others down?

14. Do you second-guess your decisions and worry that you have made the wrong ones?

15. Do you feel guilty when you feel happy while others around you are suffering?

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional — such as a doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist — can advise you on the next steps.

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"Most arguments aren't the argument you think you're having."
"Trust doesn't grow through words. It grows through repetition."
"A strong relationship isn't one without conflict — it's one where you find your way back."
Psychologist Patric Pförtner is a registered full member of the BDP

Quality seal for psychological counselling awarded by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Registered full member of the BDP

Registered full member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Online psychological counselling quality seal

For my work, the BDP has awarded me the "Counselling by Psychologists" quality mark.