Do you deserve to be rich? PsychTests Research Reveals That It Depends On Your Personality

PsychTests.com's latest study highlights the stark contrast between the way rich people, and not so rich people, think.

MONTREAL, CANADA (MARKETWIRE) -- September 14, 2012

PsychTests.com, a pioneer in online psychological assessments, has released its newest study on the role that personality plays in success potential. PsychTests research indicates that the differentiation between successful people and less successful people could be summed up in roughly one word - fearlessness.

It's been the theme of many books - the wealth mindset. What is it that allows a person to go from abject poverty to a 5-bathroom, 15-car garage mansion, for example, while another remains within his or her less fortunate circumstances? When most people hear rags-to-riches stories, they appreciate the concept - maybe even glean some inspiration from it - but the idea of going from 'just getting by to 'success beyond one's wildest dreams' often falls under the category of "Things that will never happen to me." So how does it happen?

Researchers from PsychTests compared the personalities of people in different socio-economic brackets, and uncovered distinct differences between those in the $75,000+ salary range, and those under $25,000 in six areas:

1. Fear of success: People with this fear tend to walk away from opportunities. They are afraid of getting their hopes up, or that their success will bring on responsibilities and expectations that they won't be able to handle. They also tend to believe that they don't deserve success to begin with.
2. Fear of the social consequences of success: The basis of this fear is the impact that personal success will have on loved ones. There is a fear of jealousy, of being ostracized or, on the contrary, of becoming the center of attention.
3. Fear of failure: This is a pretty straightforward fear, and is often tied into the belief of not being good enough (i.e. self-esteem). A fear of failure can be extremely debilitating, holding a person back from taking risks, setting goals, and doing anything outside their comfort zone.
4. Drive and ambition: This in the impetus that moves a person forward. A person who sets goals and puts the effort into achieving them increases their success potential exponentially.
5. Self-esteem: The role that self-esteem plays in success is invaluable. Those who don't believe in themselves are less likely to succeed - and even if they do get a taste of success, it is more likely to be short-lived because they won't feel like they deserve it.
6. Locus of control: Those with an external locus of control believe that success, and their life in general, is not within their control. They feel as though they are a victim of their circumstances/ lot in life. Those with an internal locus of control believe that it is their actions that determine the direction that their life takes.

PsychTests compared adults over the age of 30 in low and high salary ranges ($75,000 and over vs. $25,000 or less). Their statistics reveal that people at the $75,000+ level show a lower degree of fear (of success, of failure, of the social consequences of success), and a higher level of ambition and drive. They also have a higher level of self-esteem (a score gap of 12 points), and take a more proactive approach to life, choosing to believe that whether they succeed or fail is entirely in their hands.

"It isn't that people in a high salary ranges are above failure - they can and will fail along the way. It's just that they don't let it dictate how their life will be," explains Dr. Ilona Jerabek, president of PsychTests. "These are people who keep their mindset focused on success, and who see failure as a lesson to be learned, not a self-fulfilling prophecy. Even if they lose money or go through difficult financial times, there's never that sense of 'Am I ever going to get out of this rut?' They know that they'll find a way to get back on top again. Your mindset is a major factor in how your life plays out."

PsychTests' comparison between rich and less fortunate adults also reveals that:

• 4% of those in a high salary bracket believe that if they are successful, friends and family will only come to them when they want money (compared to 14% of those in a low salary bracket).
• 19% of those in a high salary bracket are fearful that others will judge them harshly if they make a mistake or fail at something (compared to 27% of those in a low salary bracket).
• 68% of those in a high salary bracket set challenging goals for themselves (compared to 47% of those in a low salary bracket).
• 81% of those in a high salary bracket believe that if they try hard enough, they can succeed at anything (compared to 69% of those in a low salary bracket).
• 71% of those in a high salary bracket feel that they are ready to handle the extra stress and responsibility that comes with being successful (compared to 63% of those in a low salary bracket).
• 68% of those in a high salary bracket will take on a difficult challenge even if there is a chance that they will fail (compared to 50% of those in a low salary bracket).
• 66% of those in a high salary bracket would not be satisfied if their performance at work was considered "average" (compared to 51% of those in a low salary bracket).
• 82% of those in a high salary bracket desire to push themselves to be the best at what they do (compared to 67% of those in a low salary bracket).
• 40% of those in a high salary bracket admit that they've been plagued by self-doubt at some point in their life (compared to 59% of those in a low salary bracket).
• 34% of those in a high salary bracket downplay their achievements to others (compared to 41% of those in a low salary bracket).
• Both groups believe that a person can rise above his or her background and be successful (over 90%).

Individuals can take the Success Likelihood Test at: http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/2138.

Professionals interested in using PsychTests' SLPro (Success Likelihood Profile) or other tests can visit: http://www.archprofile.com/corporate/index

About Psychtests AIM Inc.

Psychtests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. Psychtests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts. The company's research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.

Contact:
Ilona Jerabek, Ph.D., President
Psychtests AIM Inc.
http://testyourself.psychtests.com/
ilona@psychtests.com