The 16pf Adolescent Personality Questionnaire (APQ) is a self-report personality inventory that was specifically developed and normed for adolescents. It elicits valuable information regarding the youth’s personal style, problem-solving abilities, preferred work activities, and areas where the youth is having problems, making the APQ appropriate for screening and for introducing sensitive topics in a counseling situation.

The test includes four sections:

  • Your Personal Style (normal personality items)
  • Problem Solving (a short measure of general reasoning ability)
  • Work Activity Preferences (measures six career-interest variables), and
  • Life’s Difficulties (optional questions concerning matters of sex, aggression, significant low mood, low sense of self, etc.).

The APQ is useful in situations where personality is relevant – educational adjustment, personal or social difficulty, and passage through one’s developmental tasks. The Work Activity Preferences section is particularly helpful with career exploration. In addition, the normal personality section (Your Personal Style) and the Work Activity section help professionals adjust their approach to the characteristics of the young person.

Two interpretive reports are available from this questionnaire – the APQ Guidance Report and the APQ Psychological Report. (The optional Life’s Difficulties section must be completed to generate the APQ Psychological Report.)

“We are now using the 16pf Career Development Report as a standard part of our executive coaching intake process. Our clients consistently find the report to be insightful and provocative. A discussion of the report invariably illuminates key areas of interest and concern and helps both client and coach focus and prioritize the coaching engagement. The Personal Career Effectiveness Considerations section of the report provides an ideal foundation for career planning discussions and developmental assignments.”

Kirk Hallowell, Ph.D.

Principal
MatchPointConsulting.com