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Threatened Authority Complex Test

Threatened Authority Complex Test

Understand whether worries about losing authority are affecting your leadership in just 3 minutes. Get clear, fast insight into red flags and where to focus to build confidence and influence.

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Questions: 153 minutes

Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

26,820 views

2,974 completions

2,472 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score

7/15

A (A)

Measures the extent to which responses suggest anxiety or defensiveness related to perceived threats to one’s authority in a leadership role.

Low indicators

Moderate indicators

High indicators

0 – 5: Low indicators | 6 – 10: Moderate indicators | 11 – 15: High indicators

A score of 7 falls in the Moderate indicators range, suggesting some signs of concern about maintaining authority that may affect confidence or decision-making in certain situations.

example score

8/15

B (B)

Scale B measures cautious responding that may reflect sensitivity to potential threats to one’s authority.

Low caution

Moderate caution

High caution

0 – 5: Low caution | 6 – 10: Moderate caution | 11 – 15: High caution

A score of 8 falls in the Moderate caution range, suggesting a balanced but noticeable tendency to be careful that does not exclude sensitivity to threatened-authority concerns.

example score

5/15

G (G)

Assesses the extent to which response patterns suggest challenges in fitting an authority-figure role (e.g., predominance of “C” answers).

Low indication

Moderate indication

High indication

0 – 5: Low indication | 6 – 10: Moderate indication | 11 – 15: High indication

A score of 5 falls in the Low indication range, suggesting minimal signs in this scale of response patterns associated with difficulty in an authority-figure role.

example score

5/15

B (B)

Measures the extent to which you take an overly defensive stance toward subordinates to protect your authority.

Low defensiveness

Moderate defensiveness

High defensiveness

0 – 5: Low defensiveness | 6 – 10: Moderate defensiveness | 11 – 15: High defensiveness

A score of 5 falls in the Low defensiveness range, suggesting you are generally not prone to reacting defensively toward subordinates when your authority feels challenged.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Newly Promoted Managers

41%OF USERS

People who just stepped into leadership and want to check whether insecurity or fear of losing respect is shaping their decisions.

Under Pressure Team Leads

34%OF USERS

Leaders in fast-changing environments who notice they’re becoming defensive, controlling, or overly reactive to challenges from others.

Ambitious Senior Specialists

25%OF USERS

High-performing contributors aiming for more influence who worry their authority isn’t recognized and want clarity on what’s holding them back.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

What You’ll See After You Finish the Test

Scale Results
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Statistical
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AI-Detected
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Key patterns you might not notice on your own. Surfacing subtle connections in your responses that help you better understand what may be driving your current results.

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Used in 52+ countries

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you finish the test, your results will be compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of the benchmarks we use to place your score in context.

A (A)

Average

5.4

Normal range

2.9 — 7.8

min.

max.

majority

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Once you complete the test, your result will appear here so you can see where you land.

B (B)

Average

4.8

Normal range

2 — 7.6

min.

max.

majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear here so you can see where you land.

G (G)

Average

4.2

Normal range

1.6 — 6.8

min.

max.

majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear here so you can see where you land.

B (B)

Average

9.4

Normal range

7.3 — 11.5

min.

max.

majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear here so you can see where you land.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this assessment measure?

It screens for anxiety and defensive reactions linked to perceived threats to authority. It focuses on acceptance of one’s role, clarity about expectations, and fear of losing influence.

Who is this assessment intended for?

It is intended for people in leadership or supervisory roles and those preparing for such roles. It may also be used in coaching or training contexts where authority-related stress is relevant.

How long does it take and what is the format?

It includes 15 items and typically takes about 3 minutes to complete. Items are answered by selecting the option that best matches current attitudes and reactions.

How should items be answered to obtain a useful result?

Responses should reflect typical behavior and feelings rather than preferred self-image. Items should be answered without overthinking and without trying to appear consistent.

How should results be interpreted and used?

Results indicate the likely level and pattern of authority-related threat reactions and the areas most associated with stress. They are not a diagnosis and should be used as a starting point for reflection or follow-up support.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Threatened Authority Complex Test - Symptoms and Signs

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This brief self-report measure is designed to screen for perceived threats to one’s authority in a leadership or supervisory context. The Threatened Authority Complex Test focuses on subjective distress and concerns about losing influence, and how these perceptions may shape interpersonal behavior and decision-making.

The instrument, attributed to Robert A. Baron, contains 15 items and typically requires about 3 minutes to complete. Results from the Threatened Authority Complex Test are best interpreted as an initial indicator of authority-related insecurity or status-protective tendencies, and should be considered alongside clinical interview, contextual factors, and other assessment data rather than used as a standalone diagnosis.

Author: Robert A. Baron

Literature: Keltner, D., Gruenfeld, D. H., & Anderson, C. Power, approach, and inhibition. Psychological Review. 2003.

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