Spiritual Needs Quiz

Discover Your Soul’s Driving Forces Across 10 Core Dimensions

The Spiritual Needs Quiz is designed to explore and quantify your inner driving forces. It assesses your inclinations across ten core spiritual dimensions: Meaning, Love, Connection, Growth, Creativity, Power, Pleasure, Security, Freedom, and Contribution. The result is not a simple personality label but an in-depth map of your inner self, clearly revealing what you most desire and need, thereby helping you make life choices that are more aligned with your heart’s desires.

Have you ever wondered what truly drives you amidst your busy life? Do you often feel lost, not knowing what you really need? This test will give you the answers. Come and find out!

What is the “Spiritual Needs Test”?

The “Spiritual Needs Test” is a psychometric tool designed to assess an individual’s attitudes and inner needs regarding ten core spiritual traits. Based on research in modern positive and humanistic psychology, the test aims to explore an individual’s tendencies in these spiritual dimensions, thereby revealing their deepest drivers and energy sources.

The test covers a wide range of characteristics through 60 questions across 10 core dimensions. Each dimension reveals an individual’s beliefs and behavioral tendencies in these areas. Through an intuitive chart, it helps you more clearly understand your inner needs, enabling you to make life choices that are more aligned with your heart’s desires.

How do I interpret my “Spiritual Needs Test” results?

After completing the test, we will analyze your answers and provide a percentage for each dimension. You will be able to clearly see your tendencies across the ten core spiritual needs: Meaning, Love, Connection, Growth, Creativity, Power, Fun, Security, Freedom, and Contribution. You can intuitively understand your results and read detailed interpretations for each dimension to better grasp what drives you internally.

It’s important to note that the test results do not represent your entire personality. Instead, they offer a way to understand your inner inclinations toward specific spiritual needs. We recommend that you remain objective when interpreting the results, reflect on them in the context of your personal experiences and life background, and use them as a tool for self-exploration and growth.

How can the “Spiritual Needs Test” help me in my work and life?

The Spiritual Needs Test is a powerful tool for self-exploration. It provides you with a unique map of your inner world, helping you live with greater clarity and fulfillment of your true needs.

Primary uses:

  • Self-awareness: Helps you understand what you value most and need most, leading to a better understanding of your own behaviors and emotions.
  • Life planning: Acts as a guide when making major decisions, helping you choose a life and career path that better aligns with your inner needs.
  • Alleviating confusion: When you feel lost, it helps you identify the root of the problem and find ways to satisfy your inner needs.
  • Improving relationships: Helps you understand others and communicate and interact with them in more appropriate ways.

Detailed Explanations of Each Trait

Meaning

A sense of meaning is a profound psychological need that stems from the search for life’s purpose and value. When this need is met, individuals feel a clear direction and purpose in their lives, and the choices they make and activities they engage in are imbued with significance. This inner conviction provides strong spiritual support, helping individuals remain resilient and perseverant in the face of challenges and setbacks. It prompts people to constantly reflect on their life’s path to ensure it aligns with their deepest values. A lack of meaning can lead to feelings of emptiness and confusion, as if one is drifting aimlessly without a center or depth. The pursuit of meaning is an active, internal process, and everyone can find their own answers through different paths.

Typical characteristics:

  • Frequently contemplates the purpose and value of their life.
  • Seeks the lessons or deeper reasons behind experiences during difficult times.
  • Desires their work to have a positive impact on others or the world.
  • Enjoys reading, discussing, or reflecting on topics related to life and philosophy.
  • Feels impatient or bored with activities that lack depth and purpose.

Love

Love is one of humanity’s most fundamental and powerful spiritual needs, concerning deep connection and emotional investment. 'Love' here transcends romantic relationships to include all profound bonds, such as family and friendship. It fulfills our core desire to be seen, understood, and cherished, providing an emotional safe harbor. Having love makes us feel that we are not alone; our joys are shared, and our sorrows are shouldered by others. This deep emotional exchange brings immense happiness and a sense of belonging. Conversely, the absence of or trauma related to love can trigger profound loneliness, low self-esteem, and insecurity. The need for love is not just about receiving but also about giving. To love others and care for their well-being can itself bring great satisfaction and meaning, overlapping with the 'Contribution' dimension. A healthy expression of love is mutual, respects boundaries, and fosters mutual growth.

Typical characteristics:

  • Places high importance on the quality of deep communication with family, partners, or close friends.
  • Needs to frequently express affection to loved ones through words or actions, and desires to receive such expressions.
  • Seeks emotional honesty and vulnerability in intimate relationships.
  • Is willing to invest time and energy to maintain important relationships.
  • Derives deep joy from caring for and helping others.
  • Feels lonely and emotionally empty when lacking deep connection for an extended period.

Connection

The need for connection is about weaving a social map for oneself, answering the question, 'Where do I belong?' Unlike 'Love,' which emphasizes deep one-on-one relationships, 'Connection' focuses on a broader sense of network and belonging. This can be manifested in interactions with like-minded friend circles, cultural communities, work teams, or even online communities. This linkage makes us feel part of a bigger picture, providing a sense of identity and a support system. Connecting with nature (such as feeling the grandeur of mountains and oceans) can also bring a similar sense of belonging and peace. When the sense of connection is strong, we feel supported, understood, and have companions on our journey. When this need is unmet, it leads to feelings of isolation and alienation, as if one is an 'outsider.' In today’s digital age, while virtual connections are plentiful, high-quality, authentic offline connections are even more precious. This dimension is a crucial foundation for 'Security' and 'Contribution.'

Typical characteristics:

  • Has a tendency to actively join clubs, communities, or groups.
  • Feels joy and energy during group activities.
  • Values interacting with people who share their values or interests.
  • Enjoys the feeling of working with others toward a common goal.
  • Likes to attend large cultural events (like concerts or sports games) to experience a sense of community.
  • Feels calm and at one with the world when in nature.

Growth

The need for growth is the core engine of human progress. It is based on the belief that the self is not fixed and that we can become better, stronger, and wiser through learning and experience. This need pushes us out of our comfort zones to embrace challenges, learn new skills, and reflect on old patterns. It’s not just about career advancement but also about maturing in character, improving emotional regulation, and broadening one’s worldview. Fulfilling the need for growth brings a continuous sense of accomplishment and vitality, preventing life from becoming stagnant and rigid. Conversely, feeling stuck or wasting time in repetition can lead to anxiety, boredom, and self-doubt. Growth is often intertwined with a 'Sense of Meaning,' as the process of growing can itself be meaningful. It also requires 'Security' as a foundation, because only when we feel safe enough do we dare to expose our shortcomings and try to change. 'Creativity' and learning are important pathways to achieving growth.

Typical characteristics:

  • Has a habit of continuously learning new knowledge or skills.
  • Willingly accepts challenging tasks, viewing them as opportunities for growth.
  • Frequently engages in self-reflection, thinking about how to improve.
  • Is full of curiosity and a desire to explore unknown areas.
  • Actively seeks feedback from others to help them improve.
  • Believes that life is a process of constant evolution and development.

Creativity

Creativity is a uniquely human spiritual activity, a fundamental way of self-expression and leaving a mark. It goes far beyond artistic creation to include entrepreneurship, problem-solving, designing solutions, cooking, gardening—any process that brings something new into being. The need for creativity stems from the desire to connect the inner and outer worlds, a process of materializing one’s uniqueness and imagination. Through creation, we can not only express emotions and ideas that words cannot fully capture but also experience a high degree of focus and satisfaction (the 'flow' state). The act of creating is itself a construction of 'Meaning'; it proves our ability to influence and shape our environment, rather than passively accepting it. When the creative urge is suppressed, one can feel repressed, frustrated, and lacking in self-expression. Conversely, creating freely brings immense joy, a sense of accomplishment, and a unique sense of identity.

Typical characteristics:

  • Enjoys the process of building something from scratch (be it a work of art, a project, an idea, etc.).
  • Frequently has new ideas pop up and is eager to bring them to fruition.
  • Enters a state of deep immersion, losing track of time, during the creative process.
  • Likes to express their inner world through writing, painting, music, crafts, etc.
  • Prefers to find novel and unique solutions to problems, rather than standard answers.
  • Gains a great sense of achievement from making something one-of-a-kind.

Power

The need for power is a pursuit of influence and a sense of control. It is reflected in the desire for one’s opinions to be valued, decisions to be adopted, and the ability to guide things in a desired direction. This need is not necessarily negative; it also relates to a sense of efficacy—the feeling of being capable of changing the status quo and achieving expected results. At work, it may manifest as leadership; in life, it may be the autonomy to make personal decisions. Fulfilling this need can bring self-confidence, authority, and a strong sense of personal effectiveness. The key lies in exercising this influence in a constructive and responsible manner.

Typical characteristics:

  • Naturally tends to take on a leadership or decision-making role in a team.
  • Enjoys the process of persuading others and winning their support.
  • Desires full autonomy and decision-making power over their own work and life.
  • Aspires to have sufficient resources to execute their ideas and plans.
  • Cares about whether their views and opinions are respected and valued by others.
  • Enjoys competition and gains a sense of achievement from winning.

Fun

Fun is human nature and a lubricant for mental health. It emphasizes the process of an activity itself rather than its outcome and is spontaneous, lighthearted, and full of amusement. This need reminds us that life is not all about pursuing achievement, meaning, and depth; enjoying the present moment and experiencing simple pleasure is valuable in itself. Fun can effectively relieve stress, spark creativity, enhance social connections, and replenish our energy to face ongoing challenges. When combined with 'Creativity,' it becomes playful exploration; with 'Connection,' it becomes shared laughter. Neglecting the need for fun can make life dull, heavy, and exhausting. Adults often suppress this need, deeming it 'immature' or a 'waste of time,' but this is precisely one of the causes of burnout. Respecting and satisfying the need for fun is key to maintaining curiosity, vitality, and a passion for life. It makes our spiritual world more complete and healthy.

Typical characteristics:

  • Often participates in activities purely for fun and relaxation (like games, watching comedies, casual chatting).
  • Has a humorous side to their personality, enjoying jokes and creating a joyful atmosphere.
  • Sometimes enjoys the process of doing things more than the outcome.
  • Can spontaneously and freely engage in an enjoyable activity.
  • Considers 'play' an essential part of life.
  • Can find and enjoy pleasure in simple things (like good food, nice weather).

Security

Security is the foundation for all other higher-level spiritual needs. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, only when the need for safety is met can people have the capacity to pursue love, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. It includes physical safety, financial security, health assurance, and psychological safety (stable relationships, familiar environments). A strong sense of security allows one to feel inwardly stable and have the courage to explore the world and take risks. Conversely, a lack of security can trigger persistent anxiety, vigilance, and withdrawal, making it difficult to develop outwardly. It is important to note that absolute security does not exist; a healthy sense of security is a 'good enough' stability that allows for a certain degree of uncertainty. In modern society, a sense of security may come more from inner resilience and the ability to cope with change rather than the absolute stability of the external environment. Building a sense of security is the first step toward achieving spiritual freedom.

Typical characteristics:

  • Needs financial stability and planning to feel at ease.
  • Values physical health and takes action to prevent illness.
  • Prefers predictability and routine in life.
  • Needs a home/environment that feels physically and emotionally safe.
  • Worries about potential future risks (like unemployment, accidents) and wants to be prepared.
  • Is most relaxed in familiar environments or with people they trust.

Freedom

Freedom is the power of self-determination, the core of 'being oneself.' It means that our actions stem from personal will and values, not from a sense of obedience, a desire to please others, or an attempt to escape guilt or fear. This need is crucial for establishing an authentic sense of self and intrinsic motivation. A person with a sense of freedom feels like the 'author' of their life, not just a 'character,' thereby experiencing a stronger sense of responsibility and engagement. It exists in a dynamic tension with 'Security': absolute security might mean restricted freedom, while absolute freedom might lack security. A healthy state is finding a balance between the two. Freedom refers not only to external choices, such as choosing a job or place to live, but also to internal psychological freedom, such as thinking independently, holding onto one’s beliefs, and managing emotions. When the need for freedom is thwarted, one can feel constrained, repressed, and resentful, leading to a strong desire to rebel or a sense of powerlessness.

Typical characteristics:

  • Highly values the right to have choices and make decisions.
  • Is very sensitive and resistant to control or interference from others.
  • Needs to feel that their actions are based on their own will, not coercion.
  • Likes to complete tasks in their own way and at their own pace.
  • Maintains independence in thought and opinion, not just following the crowd.
  • Considers 'being yourself' and 'living authentically' as important life principles.

Contribution

The need for contribution is an altruistic driving force, a desire to benefit others or make the world a better place through one’s efforts. It is reflected in caring for a greater good that transcends personal interests and being willing to take practical action for it. This act of giving and serving can itself bring profound satisfaction, meaning, and connection. It allows people to feel that their existence and efforts have positive value and impact. Contribution does not have to be a monumental achievement; it can be manifested in daily acts of kindness, mentoring younger people, volunteering, or environmental actions. Its reward is often internal: a feeling that 'I have made the world a little better.' This is different from a simple desire for 'Power' or 'Influence,' as its core motivation is altruism and service.

Typical characteristics:

  • Enjoys helping others and derives deep satisfaction from it.
  • Cares about social or environmental issues and is willing to take action.
  • Wants their work or efforts to be valuable to others.
  • Has a strong desire to 'give back' to society or a specific group.
  • Thinks about the 'legacy' they want to leave for the world.
  • Naturally takes on a supportive role in a team or community.

References:

  1. The Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (03 February 2025) Exploring the necessary roles of basic psychological needs at work: A necessary condition analysis. Haien Ding, Bård Kuvaas
  2. Jan Tønnesvang (2025) Meaning and Psychological Needs. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 45(3), 316–332.
  3. Pamela Ebstyne King (December 2019) Joy distinguished: Teleological perspectives on joy as a virtue. The Journal of Positive Psychology
  4. Iradj Siassi, M.D. (1987) The Meaning of Love in Human Experience. American Journal of Psychotherapy
  5. Dmytro Paustovskyi (28 Aug 2023) The Sense of Security as a Fundamental Characteristic of an Individual’s Social Well-Being: A Depth Psychological Perspective with Emphasis on Sondi’s Fate Analysis. The European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (EUASU)
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