Self-Criticism Test (LOSC)

Self-criticism is a powerful internal voice that shapes how we view our achievements, our relationships, and our overall worth. While some level of self-reflection helps us grow, an overly harsh inner critic can become a constant source of stress and self-doubt. To understand this dynamic, psychologists Richard Thompson and David C. Zuroff developed the Levels of Self-Criticism Scale (LOSC) in 2004. Their research sought to distinguish between different ways people judge themselves, moving beyond the idea of self-criticism as a single, uniform trait. By identifying distinct styles of self-judgment, the LOSC helps clarify how our relationship with ourselves influences our mental well-being.

The LOSC identifies two primary facets of self-criticism: Comparative Criticism and Internalized Criticism. Comparative Criticism is deeply tied to how we view ourselves in relation to other people. It involves a nagging sense of inferiority, a constant worry about what others think, and discomfort in social situations where expectations are unclear. If you score high in this area, you may frequently find yourself measuring your worth against those around you, feeling as though you fall short. Internalized Criticism, on the other hand, is an inward-facing pressure. It is characterized by intense frustration, irritability, and anger directed at oneself when failing to meet personal standards. This style of criticism is less about social comparison and more about an uncompromising internal demand for perfection.

Research using the LOSC has shown that both forms of self-criticism can significantly impact mental health, though they do so in slightly different ways. Comparative criticism is often closely linked to interpersonal difficulties, social anxiety, and a persistent fear of rejection, as the individual constantly scans the environment for signs of disapproval. Internalized criticism is frequently tied to achievement-related distress, burnout, and a sense of helplessness when personal goals are not met. Studies suggest that understanding which style of self-criticism dominates your thinking can be a valuable step toward developing healthier coping mechanisms and fostering greater self-compassion in your daily life.

Your results will display scores for both facets alongside an overall self-criticism score. To help you contextualize your profile, the accompanying chart includes population comparison markers. These markers are estimated values derived from published research samples using the original LOSC, rather than validated percentile norms for this specific online test. A typical adult score on these scales tends to hover around the mid-range, but these markers should be treated as a general point of reference rather than a precise ranking of your personality.

Please keep in mind that this test is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot be used to assess mental health conditions. This test is based on the Levels of Self-Criticism Scale (LOSC) but uses its own items and is not affiliated with Thompson, Zuroff, McGill University, or any other researchers or institutions. Self-criticism is a common human experience, and recognizing your patterns is simply a starting point for self-awareness. If you find that self-critical thoughts are causing you significant distress or interfering with your daily life, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional for support.

References

• Thompson, R. & Zuroff, D. C. (2004). The Levels of Self-Criticism Scale: comparative self-criticism and internalized self-criticism. Personality and Individual Differences, 36(2), 419-430.