How to Calculate Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)
What is Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)?
The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) Calculator scores 17 items across three domains — fear, avoidance, and physiological symptoms — to measure social anxiety severity and screen for social anxiety disorder.
Formula
SPIN Total = Sum of 17 items (each 0-4); Range: 0-68; Clinical cutoff: 19
- TS
- Total SPIN Score (points (0-68)) — Composite score reflecting overall social anxiety severity
- FS
- Fear Subscale (points (0-24)) — Sum of 6 items measuring social fear and apprehension
- AS
- Avoidance Subscale (points (0-28)) — Sum of 7 items measuring social situation avoidance
- PS
- Physiological Subscale (points (0-16)) — Sum of 4 items measuring physical symptoms (blushing, sweating, trembling)
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Rate 17 statements about the past week on a 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely) scale
- 2Items cover fear (6 items), avoidance (7 items), and physiological symptoms (4 items)
- 3Sum all 17 items for a total score of 0-68
- 4Scores: 0-20 none/mild, 21-30 moderate, 31-40 severe, 41-50 very severe, 51+ extreme
Worked Examples
Input
Average item score 1.5 across all 17 items
Result
SPIN score: 25.5/68 — moderate social anxiety. Above the clinical cutoff of 19, suggesting possible social anxiety disorder.
Input
Average item score 0.7 across all 17 items
Result
SPIN score: 12/68 — below clinical cutoff, within normal range of social discomfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Not separating the three subscale scores (fear, avoidance, physiological) which provide treatment-specific information
- ✕Using the general population cutoff (19) in clinical settings where a higher cutoff (24-25) may improve specificity
- ✕Confusing social anxiety with introversion — the SPIN measures distress and impairment, not personality preference
Frequently Asked Questions
What SPIN score indicates social anxiety disorder?
A total score of 19 or above suggests possible social anxiety disorder. Scores above 30 indicate severe social anxiety that significantly impacts daily functioning.
How is social anxiety different from shyness?
Shyness is a personality trait that does not necessarily cause distress. Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear, avoidance, and impairment in social or performance situations that significantly interferes with work, relationships, and daily life.
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