Description

The Fear of Intimacy Scale (FIS-35) is a self-report tool used to measure the fear that an individual experiences regarding the development of close interpersonal relationships. The scale consists of 35 questions that assess a person’s comfort or anxiety toward emotional closeness and connection with others.

Analysis and Use of Data

The FIS-35 can be used in research settings and clinical assessments to understand the extent to which an individual experiences fear of intimacy. The data derived from the scale are used to:
Assess the barriers an individual faces in developing emotional bonds.
Identify potential difficulties in romantic and interpersonal relationships.
Monitor progress in therapeutic interventions aimed at improving emotional intimacy.

Purpose

The purpose of the scale is to evaluate the emotional and psychological reactions triggered by intimacy and close connections with others. With the help of the FIS-35, therapists and researchers can gain better insight into the resistance or fears an individual may have when attempting to form close relationships.

Scoring

The FIS-35 is scored using a Likert scale, typically with 5 points (ranging from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree”). The total score is calculated by summing the responses, with higher scores indicating a greater fear of intimacy. Researchers use predefined thresholds to categorize the intensity of the fear.

Bibliography

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.
Thelen, M. H., Vander Wal, J. S., Thomas, A. M., & Harmon, R. (2000). Fear of intimacy among dating couples. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 17(4-5), 643-651.
Sherman, M. F., & Thelen, M. H. (1996). Fear of intimacy scale: Validation and extension with adolescents. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 13(4), 497-511.