Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Stronghold Assessment take?

The full assessment takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. We recommend taking it in one sitting without distractions for the most accurate results. There's no timer—take the time you need to answer thoughtfully.

What does the assessment measure?

Stronghold measures eight key dimensions that shape how you function in relationships and life:

• • Communication Style: How you naturally interact and express yourself
• • Connection Patterns: How you give and receive love
• • Conflict Response: How you handle disagreements and tension
• • Emotional Patterns: How you process and express emotions
• • Relational Dynamics: How you operate in relationships
• • Authority & Leadership: How you relate to structure and control
• • Self-Perception: How you see yourself and handle feedback
• • Core Values: What drives and motivates you

Unlike single-dimension tests, Stronghold shows how these dimensions interact with each other.

When will I get my results?

Immediately. As soon as you complete the assessment, your full report is generated and available. There's no waiting period.

Can I retake the assessment?

Yes. We recommend waiting at least 3-6 months between assessments for meaningful comparison, as personality and patterns don't shift rapidly. However, significant life events (therapy, major transitions, intentional growth work) may warrant earlier reassessment.

How accurate are the results?

Results accuracy depends on honest, thoughtful responses. The assessment draws on established psychological frameworks (attachment theory, DISC personality model, relationship research, connection style theory) that have been studied through decades of research. The Stronghold framework itself has been shaped by Dr. Hines' 35,000+ hours of hands-on coaching application. The more honestly you answer, the more useful your results will be.

Is this a clinical diagnosis?

No. Stronghold is an educational self-awareness tool, not a clinical evaluation, psychological assessment, or medical diagnosis. It is designed to help you understand yourself and your patterns better—not to diagnose or treat any condition. If you're experiencing mental health concerns, please consult a licensed mental health professional.

What if I don't agree with my results?

That happens sometimes. A few possibilities: (1) You may have answered based on how you want to be rather than how you actually are—try retaking with more self-honesty. (2) You may be in a season of transition where your patterns are shifting. (3) The assessment may have highlighted blind spots that are uncomfortable to acknowledge. We recommend sitting with the results before dismissing them, perhaps asking someone who knows you well for their perspective.

Can I take the assessment with my spouse or partner?

Yes. Stronghold offers couples assessment that measures both partners and generates a combined compatibility report. Each person completes the assessment separately (so answers aren't influenced by the other), and the results are then analyzed together to show compatibility, complementary strengths, potential friction points, and growth areas.

Will my partner see my individual answers?

No. Your individual responses remain private. The couples report shows your results and your partner's results side by side, but the specific answers to individual questions are not shared.

Can I use this for premarital preparation?

Absolutely. Many couples use Stronghold as part of their premarital preparation to understand each other better before marriage. The assessment reveals potential areas of conflict, communication style differences, and how your attachment styles interact—insights that are valuable to explore before saying "I do."

Is my data private and secure?

Yes. We use industry-standard encryption (TLS/SSL) to protect your data in transit and at rest. Your assessment responses and results are never sold to third parties. We take data security seriously. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.

Can I delete my data?

Yes. You can request deletion of your account and all associated data at any time by contacting us. We will delete or anonymize your personal information within 90 days of your request, except where retention is required by law.

Who can see my results?

Only you (and your partner, if you're doing a couples assessment). We do not share individual results with anyone else. If you work with a coach or therapist and want to share your results with them, you can choose to do so—but that's entirely your decision.

What devices can I use?

Stronghold works on any modern web browser—desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. For the best experience, we recommend a tablet or larger screen, but the assessment is fully mobile-responsive.

Can I save my progress and finish later?

Yes. If you need to step away, your progress is saved automatically. When you return, you can pick up where you left off. However, we recommend completing the assessment in one sitting if possible for the most consistent results.

I'm having technical issues. What should I do?

Try refreshing the page, clearing your browser cache, or using a different browser. If problems persist, contact us at support@strongholdassessment.com with a description of the issue, and we'll help resolve it.