Description

The Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE-30) is a questionnaire used to measure an individual’s fear of being negatively evaluated by others. It was developed to assess social anxiety and worry, particularly in situations where a person feels observed or judged. The scale consists of 30 questions that examine a person’s reactions in various social scenarios and situations where criticism or negative evaluation is likely.

Analysis and Use of Data

The FNE-30 is widely used in research on social anxiety and anxiety disorders. It analyzes aspects of the fear of negative evaluation, helping researchers and clinicians understand the degree to which an individual is concerned about the judgment of others. The data from the scale can be used to:
Assess the level of social anxiety in individuals or groups.
Identify individuals who may need further evaluation or intervention for social anxiety disorders.
Evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing the fear of negative evaluation.

Purpose

The purpose of the scale is to assess the extent to which an individual fears negative evaluation by others. This assessment can be used in various clinical and research applications, including the diagnosis and monitoring of progress in treatments targeting social anxiety.

Scoring

The scale uses a Likert scoring system, where participants respond to each statement based on the extent to which they agree or disagree. Responses typically range from “Never” to “Always.” The total scores can vary, with higher scores indicating a higher level of fear of negative evaluation. The scores can be analyzed to determine the level of fear and categorized into various intensity levels.

Bibliography

Watson, D., & Friend, R. (1969). “Measurement of social-evaluative anxiety.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 33(4), 448-457.
Weeks, J. W., Heimberg, R. G., & Rodebaugh, T. L. (2008). “The Fear of Positive Evaluation Scale: Implications for social anxiety and beyond.” Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22(1), 44-55.
Leary, M. R. (1983). “A Brief Version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale.” Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 9(3), 371-375.