Emotional Wounds Test

The Abandonment Beliefs Self-Assessment (ABSA) was introduced by Michelle Skeen and Wendy T. Behary in 2014 as a practical tool to help individuals identify deeply ingrained emotional vulnerabilities. Rooted in schema therapy and cognitive-behavioral traditions, the measure focuses on the enduring beliefs that form when foundational emotional needs—such as security, warmth, acceptance, and competence—are repeatedly compromised during key stages of development. Rather than treating emotional distress as an inexplicable pattern, the ABSA helps bring structure to these lingering sensitivities, outlining how early relational experiences continue to shape present-day expectations, internal self-talk, and interpersonal reactions.

This assessment organizes emotional woundedness across five distinct dimensions. Abandonment reflects an ongoing anxiety that loved ones will disappear, die, or emotionally withdraw, often leading to hypervigilance or intense clinging in close bonds. Mistrust and Abuse involves the persistent expectation that others will eventually harm, deceive, manipulate, or take unfair advantage of your trust. Emotional Deprivation captures the quiet conviction that your fundamental need for love, warmth, empathy, and genuine understanding will never be fully met. Defectiveness and Shame centers on a core feeling of being inherently flawed, unlovable, or secretly inadequate if others were to truly know you. Finally, Failure reflects a belief that you are fundamentally less capable, competent, or successful than your peers in areas of personal achievement.

Psychological research on core emotional wounds demonstrates that these underlying schemas function as persistent cognitive filters, subtly distorting how everyday interactions are perceived, interpreted, and remembered. When a specific emotional wound is triggered by a current stressor, a person often experiences an intense emotional reaction that feels compelling yet out of proportion to the immediate situation, driven by past fears rather than present realities. Studies show that unaddressed emotional vulnerabilities frequently contribute to recurring relationship conflict, chronic anxiety, defensive self-protection, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Recognizing these specific patterns allows individuals to understand the origin of their habitual responses, shifting from automatic self-defense toward greater emotional awareness, resilience, and self-compassion.

The comparison markers displayed on your results chart are estimated population reference points, rescaled from published research samples associated with the ABSA framework, rather than validated percentile norms for this specific online assessment. A typical adult score lands near moderate baseline levels across these scales, reflecting widespread human vulnerabilities rather than severe clinical disruption. These markers are included solely to offer a helpful contextual point of reference, helping you visualize where your responses sit relative to broad population averages rather than offering an exact clinical rank or definitive judgment.

This assessment is provided strictly for educational and self-reflection purposes and is not a diagnostic instrument. A high score on any single scale or on overall emotional woundedness does not constitute a clinical diagnosis or imply an unchangeable personal flaw. The test is based on the Abandonment Beliefs Self-Assessment (ABSA) but uses its own original items and is not affiliated with Michelle Skeen, Wendy T. Behary, or their institutions. If exploring these themes highlights significant personal distress or lingering relationship difficulties, consulting a qualified mental health professional can provide personalized guidance, support, and constructive tools for healing.

References

• Bach, B., Lockwood, G., & Young, J. E. (2018). A new look at the schema therapy model: organization and role of early maladaptive schemas. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(4), 328-349.
• Skeen, M. (2014). Love Me, Don't Leave Me: Overcoming Fear of Abandonment and Building Lasting, Loving Relationships. New Harbinger Publications.