“In personality psychology, a distinction is made between trait-state models – or models and test systems – that combine genetically determined personality traits (temperament) with characteristics developed later in life (character), as Cloninger attempted. However, a personality system such as the three-dimensional test theory, including its test system (PST‑R), and Michael Dieterich's developmental-diagnostic theory appear to be absolutely unique in research and practice to date. I myself have worked with the PST‑R for decades and still consider it unrivalled in personality diagnostics.”
The gold standard in diagnosticsUnderstand personality.
Understand personality.
Unfold potential.
Discover yourself — and keep growing. The PST‑R (personality structure test) is the scientifically grounded tool for precise diagnostics in coaching, HR, psychotherapy and pastoral care — for counsellors, therapists and organisations as well as for individuals.
30+
Years of experience
75k+
PST‑R reports
500+
Licensees
12
Languages translated
Why PST‑R?
Use an instrument that grants deeper insights and sets real processes of change in motion.
Scientifically grounded
Developed on the basis of empirical research and continuously refined at the Institute of Practical Psychology for more than three decades.
Developmental diagnostics
The PST‑R makes resources and strengths visible — a foundation for targeted development, not for judgement.
Versatile in use
Ideal for HR, coaching, psychotherapy, pastoral care, couples therapy and clinical case history.
The PST‑R in 12 languages
In addition to German, the test materials are also available in the following eleven languages: English (US), French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Serbian/Croatian, Romanian, Russian, Indonesian, Persian and Arabic. The test results are currently available in the following six languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.
Upcoming dates
Supervision sessions and test theory seminars for licensees — held as Zoom meetings. Clicking “Register” opens a prepared email.
Supervision sessions
What our partners and licensees say
Trust through competence — voices from business, clinical practice, counselling and pastoral care.
“The PST‑R has been used for many years at the start of the pastoral care training of the Biblical-Therapeutic Pastoral Care association (BTS), because it maps the “measurable part” of the potential a person brings to pastoral care. It also shows which personality traits trainees can work on in order to develop a pastoral-care personality. In supervision, the PST‑R is a helpful instrument for case discussions. When the test results of the supervisee and the client are included, they offer, among other things, explanations for existing challenges in the relationship dynamics and for projections running unconsciously.”
“I have been working as a life and social counsellor and supervisor since 2004. In that time I have come to know and use many different diagnostic instruments. The PST‑R personality test has proven to be a particularly valuable tool for me. It makes it possible to grasp central connections within the personality quickly and in a differentiated way. Strengths become clearly visible, while areas for growth are shown in a way that is easy to follow. I find it particularly helpful that the PST‑R does not stop at analysis, but provides a solid basis for working on specific development steps. I value the PST‑R as clear, structured and practical support.”
“The fascination of the PST‑R: just as a reliable tool is indispensable to a craftsman alongside his skill, a reliable diagnostic instrument is indispensable to the therapist. That is why I have been working successfully with the PST‑R for years. Its objective, comprehensive analysis enables me to do justice to the uniqueness of the person in front of me. Clients are fascinated time and again by the accurate connections that can be derived from it.”
“I have been working with the PST‑R for over 15 years and value this tool greatly. Whether in psychological counselling, in the context of supervision in companies, churches or social institutions, right up to universities — the content and connections of this test have been a real gain for everyone involved. Understanding how you “tick” by means of the PST‑R definitely helps you understand yourself and others better.”
“For many years the PST‑R has been one of the essential diagnostic instruments in my counselling, pastoral care and supervision. It enables a differentiated, multidimensional analysis that helps people understand themselves and others better. At the same time it offers reliable impulses for development processes, leadership questions and successful cooperation in teams and organisations. The precision and practical relevance of the results continue to convince me, even after more than 300 counselling processes with the PST‑R.”
Examples of successful use of the PST‑R
From the counselling practice of Pastor (ret.) Wilfried Schuster (life and social counsellor, mediator, supervisor)
Marriage crisis & resources
A married couple was on the verge of divorce and asked me to confirm their PST‑R evaluation, since they were fundamentally different. I evaluated the test in terms of resources (“every strength comes with a corresponding shadow side”). This brought about a change of perspective: they recognised the opportunities in their differences. The marriage was preserved, and the wife later completed BTS training herself.
Hidden needs
Another couple was on the brink of breaking apart (including an extramarital relationship). Surprisingly, their PST‑R scores were almost identical – except for one item. The contrast in “social adaptation” revealed the root of the conflict: his strong need for “praise and recognition”, which was frowned upon in the relationship. Through this insight the wife was able to respond to him, and the marriage was restored.
Team conflicts in nursing care
The Russian-German head of nursing at a retirement home had massive conflicts with her team. The PST‑R revealed anomalies in the criterion “concrete vs. abstract thinking”. It turned out that, because of her Russian way of thinking, she often misunderstood the German mentality of her team. Once she learned to address this openly within the team, the situation eased considerably.
Misjudged calling
A pastor who had failed in his ministry wanted to work through the background. He had relied on a “prophetic attribution”. The PST‑R clearly showed that he had deficits in ego strength and communication and could hardly manage building structures (internal locus of control “2”). Prior testing could have prevented this misjudgement and the professional failure.
Our academic & strategic partners
BTS
ABPS® Network
Stettler Consulting