Cognitive Hardiness Inventory

Turn Volatility into Vitality

In an unpredictable and high stakes work environment, survival isn’t enough. The Cognitive Hardiness Inventory (CHI) is a validated, 14-item assessment designed to measure the specific mindsets that allow individuals to thrive under pressure.

Rather than merely enduring stress, “cognitively hardy” individuals actively reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. The best part? Hardiness is not a fixed trait. It is a skill set that can be measured, developed, and mastered.

The Three Pillars of Cognitive Hardiness and Resilience

Based on the foundational research of Kobasa (1979), the CHI evaluates three core dimensions that dictate how we respond to adversity:

Commitment: Finding deep purpose and engagement in work and life, preventing the “check-out” mentality or alienation.

Challenge: The innate drive to see uncertainty as a catalyst for development rather than a threat to be feared.

Control: The firm belief in personal agency—knowing your actions influence your outcomes, even in the face of setbacks.

Why It Works: The Science of Hardiness Coping

The CHI isn’t just a survey; it’s a rigorous diagnostic tool backed by decades of peer-reviewed research and normed against a massive global database of over 100,000 working adults.

 

Proven Correlations: High scores on the Cognitive Hardiness Inventory are significantly linked to:

  • Reduced Job Burnout: Lower rates of absenteeism and organizational turnover.
  • Healthier Physiology: Improved cortisol reactivity and lower risk of physical injury.
  • Better Work Outcomes: Increased job satisfaction and enhanced psychological well-being.

 

Reliability Note: With an internal consistency alpha of 0.86, the CHI offers the precision required for executive coaching and organizational development.

Ideal For:

Employee wellness/Stress management programs

EAP programs

Executive Coaching

Research

What's Included

Every CHI assessment provides a clear roadmap for professional growth. You will receive:

  • Individualized Report: A deep dive into your unique hardiness profile.
  • Norm-Based Benchmarking: See how your scores compare to a global cohort of professionals.
  • Hardiness Growth Roadmap: Practical, evidence-based exercises to strengthen your resilience.


Optional add-on:

  • Executive debrief session with Dr. Sandra Mashihi
  • Personalized insight summary and priority focus areas

How it Integrates with Coaching

The Cognitive Hardiness Inventory can be used:

  • As a stand-alone assessment
  • As part of an executive coaching engagement
  • As a component of leadership development programs
  • Within organizational wellness or resilience initiatives

Assessment brings clarity.

Coaching builds change.

How Do I Start?

There is no training or certification required to purchase the Cognitive Hardiness Inventory (or any of our off-the-shelf assessments), just contact us to get started.

The Bottom Line

You can’t lead sustainably if your internal systems are depleted.

Hardiness isn’t about toughness.

It’s about awareness and intentional regulation.

The Cognitive Hardiness Inventory gives leaders the data to build both.

Please contact us using the following form to discuss your specific requirements, pricing, and additional support resources.

Download the Sample Report