Attachment & Boundary Psychology · 90 secs

Pathological Altruism & Savior Complex Screener (Dr. Barbara Oakley Model)

Framework: Dr. Barbara Oakley (Pathological Altruism) & Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen (Helping vs. Serving Architecture) · 100% Private & Free

Does saying 'no' trigger agonizing guilt, or do you compulsively rescue wounded partners at the expense of your own life? Free 12-item clinical screener based on Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen.

Scientific Overview

Pathological Altruism occurs when the drive to help or fix others results in net harm to the recipient, the helper, or innocent bystanders. This screener measures destructive rescuing compulsions, enabler boundary erosion, and martyrdom depletion.

What This Assessment Evaluates

  • Measures 3 clinical dimensions: Destructive Rescuing Compulsion, Enabler Boundary Erosion, and Martyrdom & Depletion Burnout
  • Evaluates guilt intolerance when setting limits, shielding others from natural consequences, and caregiver exhaustion
  • Provides guilt-tolerance protocols, Karpman Drama Triangle decoupling, and sovereign voice boundary check-ins

How to Take This Test

  1. Answer honestly based on your experience over the past 7 days.
  2. There are no right or wrong answers; trust your initial emotional reaction.
  3. Receive your personalized score breakdown, mascot insight, and custom journaling prompts immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pathological altruism?

Pathological altruism is helping behavior with good intentions that ultimately produces harm-often by enabling addiction, preventing natural accountability, or destroying the helper's financial and emotional stability.

How does the savior complex harm relationships?

By infantilizing the partner, assuming moral superiority, and creating a toxic cycle where the rescuer eventually burns out and turns into a resentful persecutor.

Medical Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer: This instrument is designed for personal self-awareness, emotional tracking, and educational purposes. It is not a clinical diagnosis, psychological treatment, or a substitute for licensed psychiatric care.

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