Edward’s Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) is a personality assessment tool designed to evaluate an individual’s needs and preferences. Developed by psychologist Allen L. Edwards, this test is based on the Murray Theory of Human Needs, the same foundational theory behind the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). However, while TAT focuses on projecting personality through storytelling, EPPS provides a more structured approach to understanding personality by emphasizing specific needs and conflicts.
In this article, we’ll explore the core concepts, administration process, and interpretation methods of the EPPS to help you understand its significance in personality assessment.
What Is the EPPS Test?
The Edward’s Personal Preference Schedule measures 15 distinct human needs. It reveals how individuals prioritize these needs and navigate conflicts in their lives. Unlike other tests, the EPPS doesn’t assess overall personality traits but instead focuses on motivational aspects and how they influence behavior.
EPPS is unique because it uses a forced-choice format. Participants must choose between two statements in each question, revealing which option resonates more with their preferences. The test’s primary goal is to uncover the underlying dynamics of human needs and provide insights into personality development and conflict resolution.
Administration of the EPPS
The EPPS consists of 225 pairs of statements, totaling 450 individual statements. Participants must select the statement that best describes them in each pair. This process requires focus and self-reflection, as it’s essential to choose honestly for accurate results.
Preparation Tips:
- Rest beforehand: The EPPS is a time-intensive test that can be mentally draining. Ensure you are well-rested.
- Minimize distractions: Choose a quiet environment to concentrate fully on the statements.
- Be honest: Avoid overthinking your choices; go with the statement that feels most accurate to you.
The 15 Human Needs Assessed in the EPPS
The EPPS evaluates the following 15 human needs, each reflecting a specific motivational aspect of personality:
- Achievement
- Measures your drive to excel and accomplish goals.
- Deference
- Reflects your tendency to conform and show respect to authority.
- Order
- Assesses your organizational skills and sense of responsibility.
- Exhibition
- Indicates your need to express yourself and gain recognition.
- Autonomy
- Evaluates your desire for independence and self-reliance.
- Affiliation
- Highlights your need for social connections and relationships.
- Intraception
- Reflects your capacity for empathy, introspection, and understanding others.
- Succorance
- Measures your need for support and care from others.
- Dominance
- Indicates your desire to take charge and influence others.
- Abasement
- Reflects a tendency toward self-blame and humility.
- Nurturance
- Highlights your inclination to care for and support others.
- Change
- Measures your need for variety, growth, and new experiences.
- Endurance
- Assesses your perseverance and determination.
- Heterosexuality
- Evaluates your interest in romantic and sexual relationships.
- Aggression
- Reflects your level of competitiveness and confrontational behavior.
Interpreting the EPPS Results
The EPPS results are scored using six primary symbols that reflect how individuals interact with their needs:
- (+): Indicates effort and motivation to meet a specific need.
- (++): Represents readiness and active pursuit of a need.
- (+++): Signifies an intense focus on achieving the need, sometimes to the point of overexertion.
- (-): Shows neglect or disregard for the need.
- (–): Reflects suppression of the need, often due to conflict or external pressure.
- (—): Suggests a strong tendency to avoid or reject the need altogether.
These symbols provide a dynamic view of personality by showing how individuals balance their needs and manage internal conflicts.
Example:
If an individual receives a (++) for “Achievement,” it means they are actively pursuing success and striving to meet their goals. However, a (–) for “Affiliation” might indicate they struggle with forming social connections or avoid relationships.
Why Take the EPPS Test?
The EPPS offers valuable insights into personality, making it a useful tool for:
- Self-awareness: Understand your priorities, motivations, and coping mechanisms.
- Career development: Identify strengths and areas for growth in the workplace.
- Therapy and counseling: Explore conflicts and create strategies for personal growth.
While the test can be insightful, it’s important to remember that results should be interpreted by professionals who can provide context and guidance.
Conclusion
Edward’s Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) is a powerful tool for uncovering the complexities of human needs and motivations. By understanding the 15 needs it evaluates and the scoring system, individuals can gain deeper insights into their personalities and develop strategies for self-improvement. Whether used for personal growth, career planning, or psychological assessment, the EPPS remains a valuable resource for exploring the human psyche.
For more information about each need and tips for taking the test, explore our related articles:
- Understanding Murray’s Theory of Human Needs
- The Role of Personality Tests in Career Development
- How to Use Personality Insights for Personal Growth
Keywords: Edward’s Personal Preference Schedule, EPPS, Personality Assessment, Human Needs, Murray Theory, Motivation, Self-Improvement