Thalassophobia Severity Screening Scale (TSSS)

Thalassophobia severity screening scale (TSSS-20) is a self-report psychological assessment designed to measure fear, anxiety, discomfort, and avoidance related to deep bodies of water such as oceans, seas, lakes, and deep rivers. The scale evaluates emotional reactions, depth-related fears, avoidance behaviors, safety concerns, and discomfort associated with deep or unknown underwater environments.

Thalassophobia refers to an intense fear or discomfort involving deep water, large underwater spaces, darkness beneath the surface, sea creatures, strong waves, or the unknown aspects of the ocean. Individuals with stronger thalassophobia-related tendencies may experience anxiety when near deep water, difficulty entering oceans or lakes, avoidance of water-related activities, or distress caused by thoughts of underwater depth and unseen environments.

The TSSS-20 measures several dimensions including depth fear, water-related anxiety, avoidance patterns, emotional discomfort, and reactions to deep or unclear water environments. The assessment may help individuals better understand their emotional responses to oceans, lakes, and deep water settings, as well as how these fears may affect recreational, social, or travel-related activities.

The assessment consists of 20 statements and typically takes 2–4 minutes to complete. You should respond to statements according to your thoughts, feelings, emotional reactions, avoidance tendencies, and behaviors related to deep water, oceans, lakes, rivers, and underwater environments.

This assessment is intended for adults and older adolescents interested in understanding their emotional and behavioral responses to deep water environments. Participation in this interactive version "thalassophobia test" is completely anonymous.

Each item is rated using a five-point agreement scale. The assessment includes both forward-scored and reverse-scored items. Higher scores generally indicate stronger fear, anxiety, discomfort, avoidance, and emotional distress related to deep water or underwater environments.

Results include an Overall Index Score and scores for four dimensions: Depth Fear, Water Anxiety, Water Avoidance, and Water Discomfort.

Dimension scores are standardized to a 0–100 scale and interpreted using qualitative categories.

Overall results are classified into five interpretive ranges:

• Minimal (0–20)
• Mild (21–40)
• Moderate (41–60)
• High (61–80)
• Very High (81–100)

If the water looks dark, I prefer to stay near the edge.

I prefer shallow water where I can see the bottom.

I do not like being too far from land when on a boat.

If the water is deep, I prefer not to go in.

I prefer watching the sea from far away.

I feel relaxed when I can see fish swimming in deep water.

I like hearing the sound of the ocean.

I feel calm when I am near rivers or lakes.

I find the ocean peaceful and interesting.

If the waves are strong, I like to stay on the sand and watch.

I like watching videos of the ocean.

If I cannot see what is under the water, I stay out.

Sometimes I wonder what is under the sea surface.

I sometimes imagine what the ocean looks like far below.

I like reading or learning about sea animals.

I enjoy walking near the sea or a big lake.

I enjoy spending time at the beach.

If my friends invite me to play near water, I usually go.

I sometimes skip activities that involve deep water.

I enjoy swimming or wading in pools more than the sea.