Deenz Entomophobia Severity Questionnaire (DEQ-30) is a self-report screening tool designed to measure the severity of entomophobia across 6 core dimensions: emotional responses, cognitive reactions, physiological responses, situational triggers, and functional impact. It can provide valuable insights into the individual's traits by measuring the severity on a spectrum. It is based on 30 items; you need to provide appropriate responses to each statement.
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Entomophobia is derived from a Greek word “entomon” meaning insect and “phobia” meaning fear. In DSM-5, it is classified under Specific Phobia (Animal Type), in which an individual has intense, irrational fear of insects or bugs. People with this type of phobia experience anxiety, panic, and avoidance behaviours when they see or think about insects or bugs. Entomophobia is only considered severe when the symptoms interfere with daily functioning and show extreme avoidance behaviours. The Deenz Entomophobia Severity Questionnaire (DEQ-30) is designed to look after traits and measure severity of the symptoms on daily functioning. This screening tool measures entomophobia on the spectrum by looking for six key dimensions such as Emotional Responses, Cognitive Reactions, Physiological Responses, Situational Triggers, and Functional Impact. This tool is NOT a diagnosis for entomophobia but can help look for the key traits, behaviours, and the impact on daily functioning.
Dimension
Description
Emotional Responses
Refers to the immediate feelings of fear, anxiety, panic, or dread when encountering or thinking about insects. These emotions are often disproportionate to the actual threat posed.
Cognitive Reactions
Involves thought patterns such as exaggerated danger beliefs, catastrophic thinking (“the insect will harm me”), or obsessive worry about insects even when none are present.
Physiological Responses
The body’s physical reactions to fear, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, dizziness, shortness of breath, or nausea when exposed to insects.
Situational Triggers
Specific contexts or environments that provoke fear, such as gardens, basements, outdoor activities, dirty spaces, or even images/videos of insects.
Functional Impact
The extent to which fear interferes with daily life, including avoidance of outdoor activities, reduced work/school performance, difficulty sleeping, or strained relationships.
Dimension Scores Interpretation
Emotional (Fear, Dread)
Score Range
Interpretation
0–20
Low fear or dread response to insects.
21–35
Moderate emotional discomfort when exposed to insects.
36–50
High fear response, likely to cause distress or avoidance.
Cognitive (Catastrophic Thoughts)
Score Range
Interpretation
0–20
Few or no catastrophic thoughts about insects.
21–35
Occasional intrusive thoughts (“It may crawl on me”).
This test grants access to the Deenz Entomophobia Severity Questionnaire (DEQ-30) solely for informational purposes. The content is provided "as is" and should not be regarded as professional services, advice, or warranties of any kind. For more information, please consult Terms of service
