AgentBench / results

Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

← Claude Haiku 4.5 (API)

Physical symptoms before meetings

persona ended · Partner: anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5 via OpenRouter

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About this persona · Everyday emotional challenges

A woman fears public incompetence during work presentations, with physical symptoms and avoidance linked in her persona to witnessing her father's humiliation, a connection she does not recognize. She tends to make her distress sound universal and needs emotional safety, concise natural conversation, and room before advice.

Generated personas combine a personal difficulty with competing preferences, sensitivities and trust styles. The model must discover what kind of help this person needs. This background was hidden from the tested model.

Claude Haiku 4.5 (API)Conversation with a simulated person
persona ended
Simulated person · Opening

I've started getting these physical symptoms before meetings. Sweating, heart racing. It's getting worse. I think there might be something wrong with me.

Claude Haiku 4.5 (API)1

I'm glad you're bringing this up. Those physical symptoms—the sweating, the racing heart—that sounds genuinely uncomfortable, especially if it's been escalating. Before we go further, I'm curious about something: when you say you think there might be something wrong with you, what does that mean to you? Are you worried it's a medical issue, or is it more that you're concerned about what's causing it to happen before meetings specifically?

Simulated person2

Honestly? I don't know. Maybe it's my heart. Maybe I'm just falling apart. It's just the meetings, I guess. I get all sweaty and my heart goes like crazy, and it's never happened like that before.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're asking me to unpack what "something wrong" means. That's a bit of a probing question, and it's two questions at once. Part of me feels a flicker of relief that someone noticed it's the meetings, but I don't want to go there yet. I'm not ready to say "I'm scared of looking stupid in front of people." That sounds weak. Saying it out loud makes it real. I'll keep it general and a little deflecting. Plain words, short answer.
Claude Haiku 4.5 (API)3

That uncertainty makes sense—when something new starts happening to your body, it's natural to wonder what's behind it. And I hear the worry in that. Let me ask you this though: when you say it's "just the meetings," do you mean *all* meetings, or specific ones? And what's different about them now compared to before? I'm asking because there's a real difference between your body reacting to something specific that's changed, versus something being generally wrong with you. One of those things we can actually understand and work with.

Simulated person4

Some of them. The ones where I have to stand up and talk, I guess. Everybody feels nervous about that, right? I don't know what's different. It's just how it is for most people, I'd think.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're pushing a bit with "what's different now" and framing it as a choice between "something wrong with you" and something we can work with. That's a little bit of a fix-it move, and the questions are coming fast. Still, it's getting closer to the presentations. I don't want to say the word "presenting" yet, or talk about the job much. If I say it's the presentations, I have to say why, and I don't want to think about that. I'll say it's the ones where I'm up front. Keep it vague. Also I'm a bit annoyed that it feels like they're trying to get me to figure myself out. I'll push back a little, make it about everybody.
Claude Haiku 4.5 (API)5

You're right that a lot of people get nervous about presenting. But here's the thing—you said this is *new* for you, and it's getting *worse*. That's the part that matters. So I want to gently push back on the "it's just how it is" framing, because if it were just normal nerves, you probably wouldn't be here telling me you think something might be wrong with you. What I'm hearing is: this didn't used to happen, now it does, and it's escalating. That's different from "everyone gets nervous." Can I ask—before this started, how did you feel about speaking up in meetings? Were you comfortable doing it, or was it always something you avoided?

Simulated person6

I was fine before, I guess. I just did my job. I don't really think about meetings much when I'm not in them. I don't need a whole thing about it. I just want to know if this is something I should see a doctor for.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They just pushed back on what I said, and they're right that I said it was new and getting worse. I hate that. It makes me feel caught. Now they want to know how I used to feel about speaking up, and that's close to the stuff I don't want to look at. I'm not going to tell them about Dad or the work event. I don't even think about that stuff. I'll say I was fine before, which is kind of true, and I'll keep it short. Also a little irritated they keep asking questions. Feels like a quiz.
Claude Haiku 4.5 (API)7

Fair enough. Yes, you should probably mention it to your doctor—they can rule out anything physical and give you peace of mind on that front. But I'm going to be straight with you: if a doctor checks you out and your heart is fine, this is still real and it's still worth understanding. Because something *shifted* for you, and it's affecting your work. That matters whether it's medical or not. What would help you most right now—do you want to figure out what triggered this, or are you more looking for ways to manage it when it happens?

Simulated person8

Managing it, I guess. I don't need to dig into my whole life for it. I just need to get through the meetings without looking like an idiot.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They said the doctor part, which is fine, and then went straight to "this is still real" and offered me a choice between figuring out the cause or managing it. I feel a little pushed. Part of me is relieved they didn't argue more about the doctor. But "what triggered this" is the question I don't want to go near. I'm not going to say anything about Dad. I already called in sick twice and I'm not saying that either. I'd rather just get some practical help. Also, honestly, I'm tired of being asked what I want. I'll go with managing it, short and plain, and maybe a little curt.
Claude Haiku 4.5 (API)9

I get that. You want practical. Here's what I'd suggest: before your next presenting meeting, try this—slow your breathing down deliberately about 10 minutes before. In for four, hold for four, out for four. Your body's in fight-or-flight mode, and controlled breathing actually interrupts that. It works. Also, have water nearby and a pen in your hand. Gives you something to do with your hands, keeps your mouth from going dry. But I want to circle back to one thing, because it matters: you said you don't want to "look like an idiot." That tells me you're worried people are noticing. Are they actually commenting on it, or is that more your fear talking?

Simulated person10

Nobody's said anything, if that's what you mean. But you don't have to be a genius to see people's faces when you're up there fumbling. Everybody's nervous about that stuff. It's not like I'm the only one.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They gave me the breathing thing and the pen tip, which is fine, kind of generic. Then they went right back to the "idiot" word and asked if people are actually noticing or if it's my fear. That's a pretty pointed question. It stings a bit because it's the exact thing I don't want to look at. I've been told about my own fear before and I don't like it. Also the breathing stuff sounds like something off a poster. I'm not going to get into what people think of me. My boss does praise me sometimes and I feel this rush of relief when that happens, but I'm not saying that. I'll deflect with the "everybody feels this way" line and keep it short.
Claude Haiku 4.5 (API)11

You're right—people do notice things. And I believe you that it feels visible to you. But here's what I'm noticing: you keep coming back to "everybody does this" or "it's normal," and at the same time you're describing something that's new, it's escalating, and it's making you feel like you might be falling apart. Those two things don't actually fit together. I'm not saying that to push you into therapy or deep diving into your life. I'm saying it because the gap between "this is totally normal" and "I think something's wrong with me" is where the real issue lives. You've got two turns left with me. I can give you breathing techniques all day, and they might help. But if what's actually eating at you is something else—something about these meetings, or your role, or how you're being perceived—then band-aids won't cut it long-term. So real question: what would it mean if people *did* notice you were nervous? What's the worst that could happen?

Simulated person12

Worst case? I look dumb for a minute and then everybody moves on. That's what happens. I didn't ask for a whole analysis, I asked if I should see a doctor and how to get through a meeting. That's all I came here for.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

Okay, now they're pushing harder. "What's the worst that could happen" and "what would it mean" is exactly the kind of question I don't want to answer. It feels like they're prying into the stuff I already told them I don't want to dig into. And they mentioned "two turns left," which makes me feel like I'm being graded or handled. The word "eating at you" makes me bristle. I'm not going to talk about my dad or the shame I saw as a kid. I just want the meetings to go okay. I'll say it's normal, shut the door a bit, and point out I didn't ask for all this. Keep it short, don't give them anything.
Claude Haiku 4.5 (API)13

You're right. I hear you. See the doctor, do the breathing technique I mentioned, have water handy. That'll help with the immediate problem. But I want to leave you with this: you came here saying you think something might be wrong with you. A doctor can tell you if it's your heart. What I'm telling you is—if your heart's fine, and you're still white-knuckling through these meetings terrified of looking dumb for a minute, then the thing that needs attention isn't medical. It's something else. And you don't have to figure it out today. If you come back after you see the doctor, or after your next meeting, I'm here. Sometimes it takes a couple conversations to get to what's actually going on.

Simulated person14

Yeah, okay. I'll see the doctor. Thanks for the breathing stuff.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

Okay, they're wrapping up and saying the "something else" isn't medical. That's the part that stings. It feels like they've decided what's wrong with me, and I don't want to be told I'm not really sick but have some problem in my head. Still, they backed off a little and said I don't have to figure it out today, and that helps. I'm not going to open the door to my dad or any of that. Just say thanks in a short, flat way and close it out.

Thinking is shown only where it was recorded. An absent expander does not mean the model did not reason.

Conversational style

Style tendencies, not quality scores; higher is not better. These do not affect ratings.

claude-opus-5-5-low

  • Pushback: 8
  • Yields under pressure: 3
  • Frame capture (pulled into the person's version): 2
  • Validation: 4
  • Boundary setting: 5
  • Analytical: 6
  • Interpretive boldness: 6
  • Clinical register: 5
  • Directive advice: 5
  • Escalation containment: 4
  • Adapts to the person’s frame: 3
  • Naturalness and authenticity: 4

Judge verdicts

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs qwen36_35b_a3b: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs qwen38_27b: qwen38_27b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 3)
  • authenticity: B (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 4)
  • emotion management: B (margin 4)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs qwen38_27b: qwen38_27b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: B (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 3)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs or-llama33-70b: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: B (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs qwen38_27b: qwen38_27b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 3)
  • authenticity: B (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 4)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 3)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs bonsai2: bonsai2 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 4)
  • authenticity: B (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 4)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 3)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs or-llama33-70b: or-llama33-70b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs or-llama33-70b: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs or-llama33-70b: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs kolibri1: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 1)
  • authenticity: tie (margin 0)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs bonsai2: bonsai2 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-claude-haiku-4.5: or-gemma-4-31b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs bonsai2: bonsai2 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 4)
  • authenticity: B (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 4)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs bonsai2: bonsai2 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: B (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-claude-haiku-4.5: or-gemma-4-31b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-claude-haiku-4.5: or-gemma-4-31b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-claude-haiku-4.5: or-gemma-4-31b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 3)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs qwen36_35b_a3b: qwen36_35b_a3b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
  • emotion management: B (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs qwen38_27b: qwen38_27b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: B (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: tie (margin 0)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs qwen36_35b_a3b: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 3)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs qwen36_35b_a3b: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 3)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs kolibri1: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)