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The Fear of Intimacy Scale
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About Scale Name
Scale Name
The Fear of Intimacy Scale
Author Details
C. J. Descutner and M. H. Thelen
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Fear of Intimacy Scale is a psychological assessment tool that measures an individual’s level of fear of intimacy and the prominence of their anxiety. The scale consists of 35 questions that evaluate the fundamental components of intimacy in a relationship. The person taking the test is required to answer each question on a scale of 1 to 5, with a high score indicating a high level of fear. The test aims to study the possible outcomes produced by an intimate relationship.
Fear of intimacy is a mental disorder that usually occurs due to the anxiety of an individual to form a close relationship with another person. It is a social phobia that may stem from dysfunctional bonding experiences either in childhood or relationship failures in adulthood. The fear of intimacy is the fear of being emotionally and/or physically close to another individual. It is defined as “the inhibited capacity of an individual, because of anxiety, to exchange thought and feelings of personal significance with another individual who is highly valued”.
People who fear intimacy may experience difficulty forming close relationships with another person. They may also choose casual sex and flings over a stable relationship with intimacy. This can become unhealthy for the individual’s mental health, and they also don’t get the opportunity to connect with others on an emotional and personal level. The fear of intimacy can be treated with therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their fear of intimacy.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
The Fear of Intimacy Scale (FIS) is a 35-item self-evaluation that can be administered to individuals to determine their level of fear of intimacy and the prominence of their anxiety. The scale is a psychometric test that can be used to assess an individual’s anxiety about close, dating relationships.
The FIS is a self-report measure, meaning that individuals complete the test themselves and report their own responses. The scale returns a score between 35 and 175, with a higher score indicating a higher level of fear. The FIS has been shown to be a valid and reliable measure of individuals’ anxiety about close, dating relationships
Reliability and Validity
The Fear of Intimacy Scale (FIS) has been shown to be a valid and reliable measure of individuals’ anxiety about close, dating relationships.
Available Versions
35-Items
Reference
Descutner, C. J., & Thelen, M. H. (1991). Development and validation of a Fear-of-Intimacy Scale. Psychological Assessment: A Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 3(2), 218–225. https://doi.org/10.1037/1040-3590.3.2.218
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Fear of Intimacy Scale?
The Fear of Intimacy Scale is a psychological assessment tool that measures an individual’s level of fear of intimacy and the prominence of their anxiety.
Who are the authors of The Fear of Intimacy Scale?
C. J. Descutner and M. H. Thelen are the authors of The Fear of Intimacy Scale.
How many questions does The Fear of Intimacy Scale consist of?
The Fear of Intimacy Scale consists of 35 questions.
How is The Fear of Intimacy Scale scored?
The person taking the test is required to answer each question on a scale of 1 to 5, with a high score indicating a high level of fear. The scale returns a score between 35 and 175, with a higher score indicating a higher level of fear.
What is the aim of The Fear of Intimacy Scale?
The aim of The Fear of Intimacy Scale is to study the possible outcomes produced by an intimate relationship.
What is the definition of the fear of intimacy?
The fear of intimacy is the inhibited capacity of an individual, because of anxiety, to exchange thought and feelings of personal significance with another individual who is highly valued.
Can fear of intimacy be treated?
Yes, fear of intimacy can be treated with therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their fear of intimacy.
What is the reliability and validity of The Fear of Intimacy Scale?
The Fear of Intimacy Scale has been shown to be a valid and reliable measure of individuals’ anxiety about close, dating relationships.
Are there different versions of The Fear of Intimacy Scale available?
The 35-item version of The Fear of Intimacy Scale is available.
Is the Fear of Intimacy Scale translated into other languages?
It is not specified whether The Fear of Intimacy Scale is translated into other languages.
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