BFNE
Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale
The Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE) is a 12-item anxiety assessment for adults. It typically takes about 4 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 12 to 60 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
12
4 min
adult
12–60
About the BFNE
The Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE) is a 12-item anxiety assessment for adults. It typically takes about 4 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 12 to 60 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
First published in 1983 by Leary MR, the BFNE is free to use for clinical and research purposes with attribution. With Psyche Assess you can send the BFNE to clients online, score it automatically, and generate a clinician-ready report in seconds.
BFNE questions
- 1
I worry about what other people will think of me even when I know it doesn’t make any difference.
- 2
I am unconcerned even if I know people are forming an unfavourable impression of me.
- 3
I am frequently afraid of other people noticing my shortcomings.
- 4
I rarely worry about what kind of impression I am making on someone.
- 5
I am afraid that others will not approve of me.
- 6
I am afraid that people will find fault with me.
- 7
Other people’s opinions of me do not bother me.
- 8
When I am talking to someone, I worry about what they may be thinking about me.
- 9
I am usually worried about what kind of impression I make.
- 10
If I know someone is judging me, it has little effect on me.
- 11
Sometimes I think I am too concerned with what other people think of me.
- 12
I often worry that I will say or do the wrong things.
Items reproduced from a documented, freely usable source. Item wording is preserved exactly as published.
Scoring & interpretation
| Range | Band | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 12–24 | Low | Low fear of negative evaluation. |
| 25–34 | Moderate | Moderate fear of negative evaluation. |
| 35–60 | High | High fear of negative evaluation; consider social anxiety clinical assessment. |
Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Frequently asked questions
How many items does the BFNE have?
The BFNE has 12 items and takes about 4 minutes to complete.
How is the BFNE scored?
Item responses are summed for a total score from 12 to 60, where higher scores indicate greater severity. Totals fall into the interpretive bands shown above.
Is the BFNE free to use?
The BFNE is free to use for clinical and research purposes provided the authors are credited and the item wording is not altered.
Who is the BFNE for?
The BFNE is designed for adult and is used by clinicians, researchers, and integrated-care teams.
Source & references
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