Social Anxiety Screen
Based on the SPIN (Social Phobia Inventory) developed by Connor et al. (2000). Seventeen questions that assess fear, avoidance, and physiological symptoms associated with social anxiety disorder.
Rate how much the following have bothered you over the past week.
0 = Not at all · 1 = A little bit · 2 = Somewhat · 3 = Very much · 4 = Extremely
1. I am afraid of people in authority.
2. I am bothered by blushing in front of people.
3. Parties and social events scare me.
4. I avoid talking to people I don't know.
5. Being criticized scares me a lot.
6. I avoid doing things or speaking to people for fear of embarrassment.
7. Sweating in front of people causes me distress.
8. I avoid going to parties.
9. I avoid activities in which I am the center of attention.
10. Talking to strangers scares me.
11. I avoid having to give speeches.
12. I would do anything to avoid being criticized.
13. Heart palpitations bother me when I am around people.
14. I am afraid of doing things when people might be watching.
15. Being embarrassed or looking stupid are among my worst fears.
16. I avoid speaking to anyone in authority.
17. Trembling or shaking in front of others is distressing to me.
About This Screener
This screener reproduces the SPIN (Social Phobia Inventory) developed by Connor et al. (2000). Scores range from 0 to 68. A score of 21 or higher indicates mild social anxiety, 31 indicates moderate, 41 indicates severe, and 51 indicates very severe social phobia.
The SPIN is one of the most widely validated screeners for social anxiety disorder in primary care. If your score is in the positive range, a clinical interview using the full SPIN or Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) is typically the recommended next step.