Negative Emotion Source Tracing Assessment

1. Theoretical basis of the test

This assessment is based on emotion regulation theory and the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in clinical psychology, integrating emotion differentiation theory and research on emotion regulation strategies. By systematically assessing an individual's emotional experience pattern, it identifies common types of negative emotions (such as anxiety, depression, anger, and fear) and their potential causes.

Research shows that negative emotions are not a single dimension but are composed of multiple interrelated cognitive, physiological, and behavioral components. This assessment uses a multi-dimensional approach to help individuals understand the cognitive patterns, physiological responses, and behavioral tendencies behind their emotions, providing a scientific basis for emotion regulation.

2. Assessment structure and dimensions

This assessment contains 10 items and evaluates negative emotional states from the following three core dimensions:

• Time perception and motivation dimension: assesses an individual's experience of time and inner motivational state, reflecting depressive tendencies and the degree of low mood, with 3 items in total (questions 1, 2, and 8)
• Physical and mental tension and anxiety dimension: measures an individual's level of physiological arousal, tendency to worry, and manifestations of anxiety, with 4 items in total (questions 3, 4, 5, and 6)
• Social perception and defense dimension: reflects an individual's emotional reactions and defense mechanisms in social situations, including a sense of alienation and sensitivity, with 3 items in total (questions 7, 9, and 10)

All items use a 5-point Likert scale (1-5 points); the higher the score, the more pronounced the emotional characteristics of that dimension. By comprehensively analyzing the scores across dimensions, the main types and intensity of negative emotions are identified.

3. Analysis of the four main emotion patterns

Based on the score combinations across the three dimensions, the following four main emotion patterns can be identified:

• Balanced Regulation Type: scores are balanced and moderate across all dimensions, with good emotion regulation ability, effective handling of daily stress, and rich emotional experiences that stay under control.
• Anxious Worry Type: the physical and mental tension dimension scores significantly high, shown as excessive worry, easy tension, and sensitive physical reactions, often accompanied by sleep problems or muscle tension.
• Low Mood Type: the time perception and motivation dimension scores high, shown as reduced interest, insufficient energy, and abnormal time perception, possibly with depressive tendencies.
• Socially Sensitive Type: the social perception dimension stands out, shown as being overly sensitive to interpersonal interaction, easily feeling judged or alienated, and having strong defense mechanisms.

4. Target population and value of the assessment

This assessment is suitable for any adult who wishes to understand their emotional state in depth, and is especially suited to:

• People who have recently felt emotional distress but are unsure of the cause
• Individuals who want to improve their emotional awareness and self-regulation ability
• People facing stress or life changes whose emotions fluctuate greatly
• People interested in their own emotion patterns who wish to do self-exploration
• Counselors or mental health workers using it for preliminary assessment

The core value of the assessment lies in: (1) systematically identifying the main types of negative emotions; (2) understanding the cognitive and behavioral patterns behind emotions; (3) providing targeted emotion regulation suggestions; and (4) promoting emotional self-awareness and management ability.

5. Explanation of result interpretation

Each dimension is scored from 1 to 5; the interpretation suggestions are as follows:

• 1-2 points: the emotional characteristics of this dimension are weak, within the normal range
• 3 points: the emotional characteristics of this dimension are moderate; attention is needed but there is no need to worry excessively
• 4-5 points: the emotional characteristics of this dimension are pronounced; you may need to actively regulate them or seek support

It should be emphasized that negative emotions are a natural part of human experience, and moderate negative emotions have adaptive value. This assessment aims to provide a tool for self-awareness and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis. If the assessment results show severe emotional distress or a long duration, it is advisable to seek help from a professional counselor.