How selfless are you really? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Selflessness and Altruism

Do you ask yourself: "Am I too selfless?", "Do I give too much to others?" or "Where is the healthy balance between being helpful and caring for myself?" These questions matter, because how we handle selflessness affects both our own well-being and our relationships.

Do you recognise yourself in these situations?

  • You regularly put others' needs above your own?
  • You find it hard to say "no" when others ask for your help?
  • You feel responsible for the happiness and well-being of others?
  • You neglect your own needs for the sake of others?

This test helps you assess how pronounced your selflessness is and whether you might benefit from a better balance between caring for others and caring for yourself.

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

Selflessness 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 put others' needs above your own?

2. Do you find it hard to say no, even when you feel overwhelmed?

3. Do you help others even when it brings disadvantages for you?

4. Do you often feel responsible for others?

5. Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself?

6. Do you often think you have to give others more than you receive in return?

7. Do you often take on extra tasks so as not to disappoint others?

8. Do you spend a lot of time tending to other people's problems?

9. Do you feel uncomfortable when you have to ask for help?

10. Do you believe it is selfish to think of yourself?

11. Do you have the impression that others take advantage of your helpfulness?

12. Do you avoid expressing your own wishes so that others are not disappointed?

13. Do you feel dissatisfied when your efforts are not sufficiently recognised?

14. Do you tend to avoid conflicts by giving in to others?

15. Do you feel that your own needs are often pushed aside because you want to help others?

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.