Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSocial Anxiety SymptomsSPIN Test BenefitsHow It WorksResults
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Social Anxiety Symptoms
SPIN Test Benefits
How It Works
Results
The social phobia inventory scale, or SPIN, is a way of measuring a person’s level ofsocial phobiaorsocial anxiety. Developed at Duke University, it contains 17 expert questions that are said to assist in the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder.It is among social phobia assessment tests that include the social phobia scale, or SPS, and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, or SIAS.
This article explains the SPIN assessment, how it works, and its limitations. It also presents information about what the results can mean.
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Understanding Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is more than feeling nervous or shy in groups.Social anxiety is the intense and often overwhelming fear of social situations, especially those with the potential to be criticized (like dancing or another public activity) or leave you feeling excluded.
Symptoms of social anxietydisorder include physical and emotional changes that vary with the individual and the context. Generally, however, they include:
People experiencing social anxiety also may have a sense of fear or danger, feel tense and irritable, and engage in behaviors that seem restless orhypervigilant(constantly watching for threats).
Social Anxiety Disorder
Benefits of the Social Phobia Inventory Scale
The SPIN test is a tool that healthcare providers can consider when diagnosing and treating social anxiety. It also can be used to evaluate how well treatment, such asacceptance and commitment therapy(ACT) orcognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), is working for people diagnosed with social anxiety.
SPIN Test Results Are Not a DiagnosisBy self-reporting and reviewing your answers, you may see where social anxieties pop up in your life and to what degree they’re causing you distress. Keep in mind, though, that although SPIN test results are generally reliable, they do not stand alone as a diagnosis.
SPIN Test Results Are Not a Diagnosis
By self-reporting and reviewing your answers, you may see where social anxieties pop up in your life and to what degree they’re causing you distress. Keep in mind, though, that although SPIN test results are generally reliable, they do not stand alone as a diagnosis.
How the Social Phobia Inventory Scale Works
The SPIN test (and the mini-SPIN) uses a Likert scale to assess social phobia and how disruptive social anxiety is in different life situations. The answers to questions (like “being embarrassed or looking stupid are among my worst fears”) code for intensity, too.
The scale for each individual question is as follows:
SPIN test scoring is based on adding the values from the 17 questions. The lowest possible score is zero; the highest possible score is 68. A score of 19 or more on the SPIN is suggestive of social phobia or social anxiety disorder.
Sample SPIN questionsNot at allA little bitSomewhatVery muchExtremelyTalking to strangers scares me.01234I avoid going to parties.01234Heart palpitations bother me when I am around people.01234Being criticized scares me a lot.01234I am afraid of doing things when people might be watching.01234When all 17 questions on the SPIN test are considered, the scoring ranges for results include:No social anxiety (0-20)Mild (21-30)Moderate (31-40)Severe (41-50)Very severe (51-68)You and your healthcare provider can consider these results for a social anxiety disorder diagnosis and treatment.How an Anxiety Disorder Is TreatedResultsCambridge University Press published a review of the SPIN assessment in January 2018. It’s based on original SPIN data that determined it to be accurate (meaning it measures what it’s supposed to measure) and reliable (meaning the test can be replicated or reproduced with similar results).The original data, from 2000, reflect a 0.78 to 0.89 test-retest reliability in groups with diagnosed social anxiety. In healthy people, the internal consistency of the test (a key measure of its accuracy and usefulness) was 94%.However, SPIN results may have limitations because they are based on self-reported data from the past week. Other questions concern how the test performs with children, non-English speakers, and ethnic minorities.You may wish to retake the SPIN as weeks continue to see how social anxiety impacts you over time; some providers recommend two-week intervals.You may also consider bringing your results to your healthcare provider with any follow-up questions or concerns.SummaryThe SPIN questionnaire was designed to help determine if and when you’re experiencing social anxiety and how bad it is. It’s based on 17 questions that ask you to consider how relatable each statement is, on a Likert scale of responses, to your current situation and how you’ve been feeling in the past week.Your score is generated based on points assigned to responses, with zero being the lowest possible score (no social anxiety) and 68 being the highest possible score (very severe anxiety).Because the SPIN test is self-reporting, it’s only as accurate as a person’s answers to the questions. However, you can use the self-assessment to understand better how social anxiety may impact you and use it as a tool to discuss your mental health with your healthcare provider.If you or your loved one is having trouble managing symptoms of social anxiety, reach out for help. You can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at1-800-662-4357for support.
When all 17 questions on the SPIN test are considered, the scoring ranges for results include:
You and your healthcare provider can consider these results for a social anxiety disorder diagnosis and treatment.
How an Anxiety Disorder Is Treated
Cambridge University Press published a review of the SPIN assessment in January 2018. It’s based on original SPIN data that determined it to be accurate (meaning it measures what it’s supposed to measure) and reliable (meaning the test can be replicated or reproduced with similar results).
The original data, from 2000, reflect a 0.78 to 0.89 test-retest reliability in groups with diagnosed social anxiety. In healthy people, the internal consistency of the test (a key measure of its accuracy and usefulness) was 94%.
However, SPIN results may have limitations because they are based on self-reported data from the past week. Other questions concern how the test performs with children, non-English speakers, and ethnic minorities.
You may wish to retake the SPIN as weeks continue to see how social anxiety impacts you over time; some providers recommend two-week intervals.You may also consider bringing your results to your healthcare provider with any follow-up questions or concerns.
Summary
The SPIN questionnaire was designed to help determine if and when you’re experiencing social anxiety and how bad it is. It’s based on 17 questions that ask you to consider how relatable each statement is, on a Likert scale of responses, to your current situation and how you’ve been feeling in the past week.
Your score is generated based on points assigned to responses, with zero being the lowest possible score (no social anxiety) and 68 being the highest possible score (very severe anxiety).
Because the SPIN test is self-reporting, it’s only as accurate as a person’s answers to the questions. However, you can use the self-assessment to understand better how social anxiety may impact you and use it as a tool to discuss your mental health with your healthcare provider.
If you or your loved one is having trouble managing symptoms of social anxiety, reach out for help. You can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at1-800-662-4357for support.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hajure M, Abdu Z.Social Phobia and Its Impact on Quality of Life Among Regular Undergraduate Students of Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia.Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2020 Jun 18;11:79-87. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S254002.Arndt A, Rubel J, Berger T, Lutz W.Outpatient and self-referred participants: Adherence to treatment components and outcome in an internet intervention targeting anxiety disorders.Internet Interv.2020 Apr 11;20:100319. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2020.100319.National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Anxiety disorders.Psychology Tools.Social phobia inventory. SPIN.Li J, Cai Z, Li X, Du R, Shi Z, Hua Q,et al.Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials.Ann Palliat Med. 2021 Jul;10(7):7596-7612. doi:10.21037/apm-21-1212Khoramnia S, Bavafa A, Jaberghaderi N, Parvizifard A, Foroughi A, Ahmadi M,et al.The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for social anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trial.Trends Psychiatry Psychother. 2020 Jan-Mar;42(1):30-38. doi:10.1590/2237-6089-2019-0003.Greenspace Health.Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).Cambridge University Press.Psychometric Properties of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hajure M, Abdu Z.Social Phobia and Its Impact on Quality of Life Among Regular Undergraduate Students of Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia.Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2020 Jun 18;11:79-87. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S254002.Arndt A, Rubel J, Berger T, Lutz W.Outpatient and self-referred participants: Adherence to treatment components and outcome in an internet intervention targeting anxiety disorders.Internet Interv.2020 Apr 11;20:100319. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2020.100319.National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Anxiety disorders.Psychology Tools.Social phobia inventory. SPIN.Li J, Cai Z, Li X, Du R, Shi Z, Hua Q,et al.Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials.Ann Palliat Med. 2021 Jul;10(7):7596-7612. doi:10.21037/apm-21-1212Khoramnia S, Bavafa A, Jaberghaderi N, Parvizifard A, Foroughi A, Ahmadi M,et al.The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for social anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trial.Trends Psychiatry Psychother. 2020 Jan-Mar;42(1):30-38. doi:10.1590/2237-6089-2019-0003.Greenspace Health.Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).Cambridge University Press.Psychometric Properties of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hajure M, Abdu Z.Social Phobia and Its Impact on Quality of Life Among Regular Undergraduate Students of Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia.Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2020 Jun 18;11:79-87. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S254002.Arndt A, Rubel J, Berger T, Lutz W.Outpatient and self-referred participants: Adherence to treatment components and outcome in an internet intervention targeting anxiety disorders.Internet Interv.2020 Apr 11;20:100319. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2020.100319.National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Anxiety disorders.Psychology Tools.Social phobia inventory. SPIN.Li J, Cai Z, Li X, Du R, Shi Z, Hua Q,et al.Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials.Ann Palliat Med. 2021 Jul;10(7):7596-7612. doi:10.21037/apm-21-1212Khoramnia S, Bavafa A, Jaberghaderi N, Parvizifard A, Foroughi A, Ahmadi M,et al.The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for social anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trial.Trends Psychiatry Psychother. 2020 Jan-Mar;42(1):30-38. doi:10.1590/2237-6089-2019-0003.Greenspace Health.Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).Cambridge University Press.Psychometric Properties of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).
Hajure M, Abdu Z.Social Phobia and Its Impact on Quality of Life Among Regular Undergraduate Students of Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia.Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2020 Jun 18;11:79-87. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S254002.
Arndt A, Rubel J, Berger T, Lutz W.Outpatient and self-referred participants: Adherence to treatment components and outcome in an internet intervention targeting anxiety disorders.Internet Interv.2020 Apr 11;20:100319. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2020.100319.
National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Anxiety disorders.
Psychology Tools.Social phobia inventory. SPIN.
Li J, Cai Z, Li X, Du R, Shi Z, Hua Q,et al.Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials.Ann Palliat Med. 2021 Jul;10(7):7596-7612. doi:10.21037/apm-21-1212
Khoramnia S, Bavafa A, Jaberghaderi N, Parvizifard A, Foroughi A, Ahmadi M,et al.The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for social anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trial.Trends Psychiatry Psychother. 2020 Jan-Mar;42(1):30-38. doi:10.1590/2237-6089-2019-0003.
Greenspace Health.Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).
Cambridge University Press.Psychometric Properties of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).
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