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Relationships
Capacity to Love Test: Scientific Results with CTL-I Diagram
This scientific test based on the CTL-I methodology measures your ability to love across 6 key criteria. You will receive a detailed analysis with a radar diagram, score interpretation, and personalized recommendations for personal growth and improving the quality of your love.
questions
41
Time
12 min
Method
CTL-I
Rating
4.6
What you'll learn
Your overall capacity to love index across 6 scientifically validated scales
How much interest you show in your partner's life and development
Your level of basic trust in relationships
Your ability to feel and express gratitude toward loved ones
The depth of care and devotion in your love
How you cope with losses and separations
Key facts
2018
Created
41
Questions
10-12 min
Time
6
Scales
CTL-I
Method
1,556 people
Sample
History & development
1969
John Bowlby publishes 'Attachment and Loss' — the foundation of attachment theory
1976
Otto Kernberg describes object relations theory and the capacity to love
1995
Kernberg publishes 'Love Relations: Normality and Pathology'
2018
Nestor Kapusta creates and validates CTL-I on a sample of 1,556 people
2020
CTL-I is adapted for clinical practice in multiple countries
About the methodology
The CTL-I methodology is based on psychoanalytic object relations theory and attachment theory. Kapusta combined Otto Kernberg's ideas about the capacity to love with empirical attachment research by John Bowlby. The test measures six key components of mature love: interest in another's life, basic trust, gratitude, caregiving and devotion, passion constancy, and handling loss.
Test validation was conducted across three independent studies with a total sample of N=1,556. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the six-factor structure. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) ranges from 0.70 to 0.89.
The test demonstrated significant correlations with measures of attachment (ECR-R), relationship quality, and psychological well-being. CTL-I is used in clinical practice, couples therapy, and scientific research worldwide. The methodology has been translated into several languages and adapted for various cultural contexts.
Scientific references
N. Kapusta, M. Voracek, K. Goth, B. Gossen, S. Schroth, S. Doering (2018)
O. F. Kernberg (1995)
J. Bowlby (1969)
O. F. Kernberg (1976)
J. M. Gottman, N. Silver (1999)
Frequently asked questions
What does the Capacity to Love test (CTL-I) measure?
The CTL-I measures six key components of the capacity for mature love: interest in another's life, basic trust, gratitude, caregiving and devotion, passion constancy, and handling loss. These components are based on Otto Kernberg's psychoanalytic concept and attachment theory.
How scientifically validated is this test?
CTL-I was developed by Nestor Kapusta and colleagues and published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology in 2018. The test was validated on a sample of 1,556 individuals across three independent studies. Cronbach's alpha ranges from 0.70 to 0.89.
How long does the test take?
The CTL-I test takes approximately 10-12 minutes. It consists of 41 statements, each rated on a 4-point scale from 'Does not apply at all' to 'Fully applies'.
Can I improve my capacity to love?
Yes, the capacity to love is not a fixed trait. Research shows that conscious self-work, couples therapy, and individual psychotherapy can significantly improve all six components. Test results help identify specific areas for development.
Who is this test suitable for?
The test is suitable for all adults who are or have been in romantic relationships. It is useful both for self-discovery and for work with a psychologist or couples therapist. Results help you understand your strengths and growth areas in love.
How should I interpret the results?
Results are displayed on a radar diagram across 6 scales. Each scale is scored from 0 to 100%: below 20% is very low, 20-40% is below average, 40-60% is average, 60-80% is above average, 80-100% is very high. Detailed interpretation and recommendations are provided for each scale.
Instructions
Rate each statement on a scale from 1 to 4. Evaluate how much each statement applies to your experiences of closeness in relationships. Focus on your current relationship, but also consider previous experiences.
Ready to start?
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