Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)

A 17-item self-report scale assessing fear, avoidance, and physiological symptoms of social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Each item is scored 0-4.

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 criticised scares me a lot

6. Fear of embarrassment causes me to avoid doing things or speaking to people

7. Sweating in front of people causes me distress

8. I avoid going to parties

9. I avoid activities in which I am the centre of attention

10. Talking to strangers scares me

11. I avoid having to give speeches

12. I would do anything to avoid being criticised

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 is among my worst fears

16. I avoid speaking to anyone in authority

17. Trembling or shaking in front of people is distressing to me

Note: A 3-item mini-SPIN exists for rapid screening (items 6, 9, 15). The full SPIN has good psychometric properties for severity assessment.

Scoring Table

Parameter	Points
Response Values	Not at all: 0 points A little bit: 1 points Somewhat: 2 points Very much: 3 points Extremely: 4 points

Interpretation

Category	Score Range	Action
● No/minimal social anxiety	0-20	No/minimal social anxiety; no intervention needed.
● Mild social anxiety	21-30	Mild symptoms; consider monitoring and self-help strategies.
● Moderate social anxiety	31-40	Moderate symptoms; consider cognitive-behavioural therapy.
● Severe social anxiety	41-50	Severe symptoms; active treatment (CBT and/or pharmacotherapy) recommended.
● Very severe social anxiety	51-68	Very severe symptoms; comprehensive treatment and specialist referral.

References

Validation of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN): a new self-report measure of social phobia. Depression and Anxiety (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10616023/
SPIN Social Phobia Inventory. Carepatron (2023). https://www.carepatron.com/files/social-phobia-inventory.pdf

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

SPIN is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.
Some items overlap with avoidant personality disorder; differential diagnosis is important.
Cultural norms around social interaction may influence scores.

Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)

Scoring Table

Interpretation

References

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