The Black & White Thinking Quiz

Are you a Black-and-White Thinker? Take the quiz and read the results below. This quiz is taken from the book, The Black-and-White Thinking Christian. This is not a clinical quiz, but only a helpful guide that is in a continuous process of change and improvement, like all of us. If you have additional thoughts or questions, please place them in the comments below. Thanks!

Directions:

Answer each question by placing a “Y” or “N” next to the corresponding number. Count the number of “Y’s” to determine the level of black-and-white thinking you may possess.

1. Do you tend to see things as all good or all bad?
2. Do you find yourself focused on one thing and ignore everything else?
3. Do you see yourself as either a success or a failure?
4. Do you cut yourself off from relationships?
5. Do you cut others off from a relationship with you?
6. Do you struggle with compassion and empathy?
7. Do you judge others or their actions according to standards?
8. Are you a perfectionist?
9. Do you think people should meet standards or expectations?
10. Do you argue with others about what is right versus wrong?
11. Are you “all in” or “all out” with activities?
12. Do you speak in absolute terms, such as always-never, either-or in conversations?
13. Do you struggle understanding other’s emotions?
14. Do you prefer people get to the point instead of “beating around the bush”?
15. Do you work well with things that are more concrete, such as facts, figures, processes and procedures?

Count the number of Y’s to determine the level of black-and-white thinking you may possess.

0 – Y’s = No Black-and-White-Thinking

1-5 Y’s = Some Black-and-White Thinking

6-10 Y’s = Moderate Black-and-White Thinking

11-15 Y’s = More Severe in Black-and-White Thinking

Results:

0 – No Black-and-White Thinking

This quiz did not pick up on any black-and-white thinking, but that does not mean it is not present in all areas of your life. Pay attention to areas where you may have tendencies towards perfectionism or higher expectations for yourself or others, and challenge these areas with applying God’s grace. You are likely a relational thinker who is more in touch with your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. You are likely compassionate and empathetic, but this may lead you to make decisions that may not be in your best interests (i.e. lack of boundaries, saying yes to others, enabling, etc.).

1-5 – Some Black-and-White Thinking

There are some areas in your life where you tend to possess black-and-white thinking, but you are probably not a black-and-white thinker. You may be more of a relational thinker, or your black-and-white thinking does not affect your relationships much, if at all. You also may find yourself in close relationships with either relational thinkers or black-and-white thinkers.

6-10 – Moderate Black-and-White Thinking

You are most likely a black-and-white thinker. There are areas in your life where you think in black-in-white and would do well to grow in humility and grace. You are likely to have positive relationships with others, mixing relational skills with your black-and-white thinking, but can be insensitive to the emotions of those around you. Pay more attention to your own emotions and the emotions of those around you as well. Be mindful as to which areas in your life you think in black-and-white and challenge yourself to expand your thinking according to God’s love and grace.

11-15 – Severe Black-and-White Thinking

You are a black-and-white thinker. You are admired for your strengths, yet your strengths are also your relational weaknesses. You likely avoid feeling your own emotions, are prone to overlook other’s emotions, and may funnel your emotions into one emotion – anger. Your busyness and attention to detail are admired by employers, but cause problems in relationships. If you are married to a relational thinker, listen to their feedback on relationships with others. If you allow pride and insecurity to reign in your life, you may become narcissistic or emotionally abusive. Try not to react to others, but respond by speaking truth only when it is in love, or not speak at all. Continue to work on grace and humility in your life, and seek help in your struggle with relationships. Make sure you address any pride and insecurity in your life through the Gospel of grace and love as demonstrated through Christ.

COMING SOON! 

The Black & White Thinking Christian is my newest resource for helping black-and-white thinkers grow in life, relationships, and in Christ. If you are a black-and-white thinker, or have one in your life, this is a great resource for personal growth and understanding. You can find this soon on Amazon.com.