Choosing Memento Vivere

Inner Critic Questionnaire

Assessment of inner critic patterns and self-talk

About this assessment

What it measures

This 24-item questionnaire maps the voice (or voices) of your inner critic across seven recognizable patterns, drawn from Jay Earley and Bonnie Weiss’s Internal Family Systems (IFS) work: the Perfectionist (nothing is ever good enough), the Inner Controller (shames impulses and appetites), the Taskmaster (you must always do more), the Underminer (don’t try, you’ll fail), the Destroyer (attacks your basic worth), the Guilt Tripper (holds the past against you), and the Molder (you must fit what others expect).

Why it helps

In the IFS view, critics are not enemies — they are protective parts working from outdated job descriptions. Knowing which critics are loudest tells you what each one is trying to protect you from, and where self-compassion and unblending work will help most. Your profile pairs well with the Inner Critic Companion, a private workbook for getting to know these parts between sessions.

How to answer

Rate how strongly each statement resonates with your day-to-day inner experience. There are no good or bad scores — a loud critic is information, not a verdict.

Rate how strongly each statement resonates with your experience.
Question 1 of 24
I feel like nothing I do is ever good enough.
Question 2 of 24
I criticize myself for not having enough self-control.
Question 3 of 24
I feel guilty when I take time to rest or relax.
Question 4 of 24
I tell myself I'm not capable of achieving my goals.
Question 5 of 24
I have thoughts that I'm worthless or fundamentally flawed.
Question 6 of 24
I feel guilty about things I did or didn't do in the past.
Question 7 of 24
I worry about what others think of me and try to meet their expectations.
Question 8 of 24
I focus on my mistakes and flaws rather than my accomplishments.
Question 9 of 24
I shame myself for my impulses or desires.
Question 10 of 24
I push myself to be productive even when I'm exhausted.
Question 11 of 24
I doubt my abilities and second-guess my decisions.
Question 12 of 24
I use harsh, attacking language toward myself.
Question 13 of 24
I feel like I should have done things differently.
Question 14 of 24
I hide parts of myself to fit in or be accepted.
Question 15 of 24
I set impossibly high standards for myself.
Question 16 of 24
I criticize myself when I indulge or lose control.
Question 17 of 24
I believe my worth depends on how much I accomplish.
Question 18 of 24
I minimize my achievements and focus on what I haven't done.
Question 19 of 24
I think extremely negative thoughts about myself.
Question 20 of 24
I punish myself emotionally for my mistakes.
Question 21 of 24
I change my behavior or opinions to please others.
Question 22 of 24
I delay or avoid completing tasks because they might not be perfect.
Question 23 of 24
I feel anxious about my ability to control my behavior.
Question 24 of 24
I feel like I should always be doing more.

Your responses are confidential.

Thank you

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