Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)

The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) is a 17-item self-report questionnaire that measures the fear, avoidance, and physiological symptoms associated with social anxiety. This inventory is not a diagnostic tool, but it can provide insight into the level of social anxiety experienced. Please answer each question based on how you have felt over the past week. Higher scores indicate more significant symptoms of social phobia.

Question	Not At All	A Little Bit	Somewhat	Very Much	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 am afraid of doing things when people might be watching.
10. Being embarrassed or looking stupid is among my worst fears.
11. I avoid speaking to anyone in authority.
12. Trembling or shaking in front of others causes me distress.
13. I avoid going to social events.
14. I find it hard to initiate a conversation with unfamiliar people.
15. My body freezes or becomes tense in social situations.
16. I am afraid that people will reject me in social situations.
17. I avoid making eye contact with others.

Understanding the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)

The SPIN is designed to measure the severity of social phobia symptoms. It includes questions that assess fears, avoidance behaviors, and physiological responses associated with social anxiety. Answering these questions honestly can help provide a better understanding of your experiences with social anxiety.

Interpreting Your SPIN Score

The SPIN score provides an indication of social anxiety severity, helping identify whether symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Higher scores suggest a more significant impact of social anxiety on daily life. This scale is not diagnostic but serves as a guide for potential areas of concern.

Seeking Support for Social Anxiety

If your SPIN score indicates moderate or severe anxiety, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support. Social anxiety is common, and effective treatments are available, including therapy and lifestyle strategies. Professional support can provide the tools to manage and reduce symptoms.

Benefits of the SPIN for Self-Reflection

The SPIN offers valuable insights into social anxiety experiences, allowing individuals to reflect on how social situations may impact their lives. Whether for self-awareness or in collaboration with a healthcare provider, the SPIN can be an essential step toward understanding and addressing social anxiety.