How to Interpret Psychological Test Results

5 September 2025

So, you’ve taken a psychological test—or maybe someone close to you has—and now you’re staring at the results wondering, “Okay... what do I do with this?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Psychological test results can look like a foreign language at first glance. Numbers, percentiles, categories, scales—it’s all a bit overwhelming.

In this article, we're going to break it down together. No jargon, no robotic medical talk—just a real, heartfelt explanation of what psychological test results mean and how you can make sense of them in a way that’s actually helpful for your life.

What Are Psychological Tests?

Let’s start at the beginning. Psychological tests are tools that psychologists use to measure things like personality, intelligence, emotional functioning, and even behavior patterns. Think of them as mental health checkpoints. They help uncover the "why" behind how we think, feel, and act.

Some common types of psychological tests include:

- Personality tests (like the MMPI or the Big Five)
- Cognitive assessments (think IQ tests or memory evaluations)
- Neuropsychological tests (checking brain functions after injury or illness)
- Behavioral assessments (used for ADHD, autism, etc.)
- Projective tests (like the Rorschach Inkblot Test)

Each one dives into a different part of our mental and emotional makeup.

Understanding the Purpose Behind the Test

Before we even peek at those results, ask yourself: why was the test taken in the first place?

Was it part of therapy? A school evaluation? Pre-employment screening? The reason matters because it shapes how the results should be interpreted.

For instance, a child being evaluated for learning difficulties will have a very different testing process and outcome compared to an adult being assessed for PTSD. Without understanding the context, results can easily be misunderstood, leading to unnecessary worry—or false reassurance.

Decoding the Jargon: What the Numbers Actually Mean

Alright, so you've got your hands on the results. There’s probably a bunch of numbers, right? Here's how to read them without spiraling into confusion:

1. Standard Scores

Most psychological tests use standard scores, which compare your performance to a norm group (basically a group of people similar to you). These scores usually hover around a mean (average) of 100. A score of:

- 100 = You're smack in the average range
- 85-115 = Still within the average
- Below 70 or above 130 = Considered significantly below or above average

So, if you scored 110 on a cognitive test, that’s very normal—maybe even a little above average. No need to panic or throw a party. It's just a data point.

2. Percentiles

Percentile ranks tell you where you stand among others. If someone tells you your result is in the 75th percentile, that means you scored better than 75% of people in your comparison group. It doesn't mean you got 75 out of 100 right—it’s more about your position in the crowd.

3. Scales and Subscales

Many tests break your results down into smaller parts—called subscales. For example, a depression inventory might assess sleep, appetite, mood, and concentration separately. Why does this matter? Because two people can have the same overall score, but completely different symptoms driving that score.

Always look at the individual parts in addition to the big picture. That’s where the juicy insights live.

The Context Is Everything

Here’s a little secret: numbers mean next to nothing without context. Imagine scoring low on a memory test—but turns out you were tired, anxious, or distracted when you took it. Or maybe English isn’t your first language and the test was in English. That changes things.

Interpreting results also depends on personal history. A high anxiety score might be expected if someone just went through a breakup or trauma. So instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” ask, “What’s going on with me right now?”

Interpreting Emotional and Behavioral Assessments

Let’s zoom in on emotional and behavioral tests for a second. These often spark the most confusion because they seem super subjective.

You might see categories like:

- Mild, Moderate, Severe
- Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Range
- Internalizing vs. Externalizing Symptoms

What Do These Labels Mean?

- Mild: It’s there, but it’s not significantly impairing.
- Moderate: It's affecting your life more noticeably.
- Severe: It’s strongly impacting your daily functioning.

But here’s the truth: labels are just starting points. They don’t define you. Being in the "clinical" range for anxiety doesn’t mean you're broken—it just signals that this area needs some extra attention, possibly with the help of therapy, support systems, or lifestyle changes.

The Role of the Psychologist (Yes, It Matters)

Psychological tests should always be interpreted by a trained professional. Period. They’ve spent years learning how to read between the lines, spot patterns, and consider everything—including your mood that day or your personal history.

A psychologist helps translate those results into meaningful insights and practical steps. Don’t treat psychological testing like a BuzzFeed quiz. It's not about "Which mental disorder are you?"—it’s about unearthing real, valuable understanding about your inner world.

Common Mistakes People Make When Reading Test Results

It’s easy to fall into a few traps when looking at psychological test results. Let's call them out so you can steer clear:

Mistake #1: Cherry-Picking Scores

Focusing on one number and ignoring the rest leads to a lopsided understanding. Always look at the full picture.

Mistake #2: Self-Diagnosing

Please don’t. Just because one subtest points to anxiety doesn't mean you have an anxiety disorder. Diagnosis is complex and takes more than one test.

Mistake #3: Thinking It’s Static

People change. Minds grow. Behaviors shift. A test taken today is a snapshot—not a life sentence.

What You Can Actually Learn from Your Results

When interpreted properly, psychological tests can offer:

- Clarity on what's been troubling you
- A direction for therapy or treatment
- Validation (yes, you really are going through something)
- A better understanding of personal strengths and vulnerabilities
- Guidance on how to support your mental health moving forward

Sometimes it even helps in relationships, school settings, or at work. When you understand how your brain and emotions operate, you’re better equipped to function in the world with self-compassion and awareness.

What to Ask Your Psychologist After Getting Results

Feeling unsure about what your results mean? Don’t be shy—ask questions. Here are a few good ones to start with:

- What do these scores say about my mental health?
- Are there patterns in the results that stand out?
- Which areas should I focus on in therapy?
- How do these results fit with what I’m experiencing in daily life?
- Do I need any follow-up testing?

Test Results Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle

Let’s be clear: a psychological test result is not your identity. It’s not your future. It’s not a crystal ball. Think of it more like a mirror—it reflects something about where you’re at today, but it doesn’t define where you’re going.

Your mental health journey is made up of many elements: lived experiences, biology, environment, relationships, and yes—sometimes tests. But they’re just tools. The real work happens in how you respond, grow, and heal.

Final Thoughts

Interpreting psychological test results doesn't have to feel like deciphering a secret code. With the right guidance and some patience, those numbers and labels can actually start to make sense. They can help you name your struggles, highlight your strengths, and carve a clearer path forward.

But remember, these results aren’t the whole story—they’re just part of it. Use them as a tool, not a judgment. And always lean on a qualified professional to help you navigate the meaning behind the numbers. After all, mental health is deeply personal and beautifully complex. You deserve to understand it with clarity, compassion, and confidence.