Choose a Key: A Picture Quiz About Your Personality

Originally published 2017-09-14.

Treat the interpretation as creative reflection

An image choice can prompt a story about your associations. It does not reveal a hidden psychological truth or establish who you truly are.

At first, it looks like a simple image test. However, you will be surprised to find out that choosing a key can reveal more than you thought about your personality and the way you act. That's because your answers depend on your subconscious, and what it's drawn to.

Dr. Abigail Brenner writes in Psychology Today:

“The subconscious is recognized as the source of creativity, intuition, inspiration, inner knowing, interconnectedness, and spiritual enlightenment. Within this realm reality shifts and expands, creating a matrix that is far more elastic and multi-dimensional than is perceived by the conscious mind.”

“The messages we receive from our dreams and the primordial symbols, or archetypes handed down to us from our ancestors, inform us about what is unique, authentic, and sacred to each of us. When we heed these messages we are following the path of our soul’s evolution.”

“These symbols and archetypes are essential elements of the collective unconscious, the universal intra-psychic structuring device innate to humans. What is so poignant here is that words are unnecessary to communicate or convey a message. The symbol, the representational picture or image, conveys the complete thought, concept, or ideal without the use of words to describe it; the proverbial, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.'”

So, take this test below to find out exactly what Dr. Brenner means and discover how accurate your results will be.

Look closely at the picture below, and choose the key that would open the old chest. It is important that you select only one key. Then flip the card with the pictures of the key you have chosen and discover your inner self.

Quiz: Choose a Key, Open a Chest, Discover Your Story

Picture an old wooden chest in front of you. Choose the keys, doors and treasures that appeal most, then read the story your choices suggest.

1. Which key would you choose to open the chest?

   • A heavy, rusty iron key with a long shaft
   • A sturdy steel key on a secure ring
   • A delicate golden key set with a small jewel
   • A simple, modern brass key

2. Where is the chest hidden?

   • In a sea cave reached at low tide
   • In the cellar of a family home
   • In an attic full of old letters
   • In a neat storage room, clearly labelled

3. Before opening it, you...

   • Throw it open straight away
   • Check that it is safe
   • Imagine what might be inside
   • Look for instructions or a label

4. Inside you hope to find...

   • An old map to somewhere new
   • Family heirlooms to keep safe
   • A bundle of poems and drawings
   • A useful set of tools

5. Pick the colour of the chest's lining.

   • Forest green
   • Navy blue
   • Lilac
   • Natural linen

6. Who would you show the treasure to first?

   • Nobody yet: I'm off to follow the map
   • My family
   • A friend who loves stories
   • Someone who can tell me what it's worth

7. Which door would you open next?

   • A trapdoor leading down
   • A strong oak door with a bolt
   • A door painted with flowers
   • The door marked 'Exit'

8. What would you keep the key on?

   • A leather cord round my neck
   • A locked key box
   • A silk ribbon
   • My everyday key ring

The Adventurer

You are drawn to the unknown and like to act rather than wait. Old keys and hidden maps suggest a love of stories that are still being written. Your courage is a gift; pair it with a little planning.

The Guardian

You care about safety, loyalty and the people close to you. You think of what needs protecting before you think of what can be gained. Others rely on your steadiness.

The Dreamer

You see beauty and meaning in small things and let your imagination roam. A jewelled key fits someone who believes every chest holds a story. Share your ideas: they can inspire others.

The Practical One

You like things clear, useful and well organised. You prefer solutions to mysteries and are good at getting things done. People appreciate your common sense.

This is creative reflection for fun, not a psychological test; it cannot reveal hidden truths about who you are.

Try again