Injunctions Test

The Injunctions Test is based on the Drego Injunction Scale, an instrument developed by Pearl Drego in 1985 and published in her 1994 book Happy family: Parenting through family rituals. Built upon the foundational Transactional Analysis framework formulated by Robert and Mary Goulding, the scale was created to systematically assess the hidden emotional directives individuals adopt during early development. Injunctions represent unspoken, restrictive messages conveyed by caregivers or authority figures that tell a developing child what is and is not permissible in life. Over time, these early messages can become deeply internalized beliefs, quietly shaping adult behavior, relational patterns, and self-concept.

This assessment examines twelve distinct injunctions that govern different domains of personal functioning. Prohibitions like Don't exist, Don't be you, Don't be a child, and Don't grow up relate directly to core identity, personal safety, and developmental freedom. Individuals influenced by these patterns may struggle with persistent feelings of unworthiness, suppress their authentic individuality, take on excessive caretaking responsibilities while neglecting their own playful impulses, or feel reluctant to assume independent adult autonomy, self-reliance, and mature decision-making.

Other injunctions influence social connection, personal achievement, and relational intimacy. Dimensions such as Don't make it, Don't be important, Don't be close, and Don't belong affect how people approach success, leadership, and emotional closeness. When active, these internal directives can lead to unconscious self-sabotage, an aversion to standing out or accepting recognition, difficulties in building trusting partnerships, or enduring feelings of being an outsider who does not truly belong within family, professional, or peer groups.

The remaining dimensions—Don't be well, Don't be sane, Don't think, and Don't feel—influence health behaviors, cognitive confidence, and emotional processing. These scripts can manifest as relying on physical illness to secure rest or care, fearing psychological instability, doubting one's intellectual problem-solving capacity, or systematically suppressing natural feelings such as anger, sadness, and vulnerability out of an underlying belief that emotional openness is dangerous, unacceptable, or weak.

Transactional Analysis research indicates that identifying operative injunctions is a vital step toward reclaiming personal autonomy and emotional well-being. Because these prohibitions are largely non-verbal and adopted during early childhood, people often adhere to them automatically without recognizing their origins. By mapping your strongest injunctions, you can better understand recurring interpersonal barriers, uncover why certain life challenges persist, and consciously choose new, supportive permissions that foster healthier living.

When reviewing your results, please note that the population comparison markers shown on the chart are estimates derived from published research samples rather than validated percentiles or standardized clinical norms. This assessment provides an individual profile across the twelve separate dimensions without generating an artificial grand total, allowing you to reflect on your distinct patterns and operative life scripts.

This test is designed strictly for educational and self-exploratory purposes and does not constitute a clinical evaluation, psychological assessment, or formal mental health diagnosis. It is based on the Drego Injunction Scale and is not affiliated with its original authors or institutional publishers. If you are experiencing emotional distress or seeking deeper personal growth, consulting a licensed mental health professional can provide personalized support and guidance.

References

• Isaacs, H. (1965). M. N. Roy’s Memoirs. [Bombay: Allied Publishers, 1964. 627 pp. Rs. 30.00.]. The China Quarterly, 24, 193-194.