Androphobia Severity Scale (ASS)

Androphobia is the type of intense anxiety faced by a person around men or in simple terms it is irrational fear of men. Some people tend to feel nervous when facing situations where there might be the presence of men because of fear of judgment or criticism. It is a normal part of behavior to feel shy when being the center of attention, but it may be considered abnormal when someone shows hypervigilant behaviors when men are likely to be present. Androphobia can manifest in various ways and people with Androphobia may experience a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms.

The Androphobia Severity Scale (ASS) has been developed to measure severity and traits associated with fear of men. The assessment incorporates concepts from specific phobia research, social anxiety research, interpersonal threat perception, trauma-related avoidance, and fear-conditioning models.

The multidimensional structure assesses both contributing factors and current symptoms, allowing individuals to better understand how fear of men may influence their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and daily functioning. Androphobia is not listed as a specific phobia but if the symptoms are interfering with daily functioning then addressing and understanding traits may be a first step towards better management.

The (ASS)consists of 36 items organized into three parts and six dimensions. You have to rate how frequently each statement applies to your experiences. Part 1: (12 items) In this section it evaluates experiences and cognitive beliefs that may contribute to fear of men. Part 2: (12 items) in this section it evaluates emotional and psychological responses that occur in situations involving men. Part 3: (12 items) In this section it evaluates behavioral consequences and functional impact associated with fear of men.

Responses are scored on a 5-point frequency scale:

0 = Never
1 = Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often
4 = Very Often

The assessment contains six dimensions:

Past Negative Experiences (6 items)
Perceived Threat (6 items)
Fear Response (6 items)
Social Anxiety Around Men (6 items)
Avoidance Behavior (6 items)
Interpersonal Functioning (6 items)

Several items are reverse scored.

Dimension Score Ranges:

Past Negative Experiences: 0–24
Perceived Threat: 0–24
Fear Response: 0–24
Social Anxiety Around Men: 0–24
Avoidance Behavior: 0–24
Interpersonal Functioning: 0–24


Percentage Score = (Raw Score ÷ Maximum Possible Score) × 100

Higher scores indicate greater endorsement of the measured characteristic.

I have had negative experiences with men.

A man has made me feel unsafe.

I have felt intimidated by men.

I have been treated unfairly by a man.

My past experiences with men rarely affect me now.

I have moved beyond negative experiences involving men.

I often expect men to be threatening.

I feel cautious around unfamiliar men.

I find it difficult to trust men.

I assume men may have harmful intentions.

Most men seem trustworthy to me.

I generally feel safe around men.

I feel nervous around unfamiliar men.

I become tense when speaking with a man.

I feel anxious when a man approaches me.

I feel uncomfortable being alone with a man.

I remain calm around most men.

I rarely feel afraid around men.

I closely monitor men's behavior around me.

I worry about how men may react to me.

I feel self-conscious around men.

I feel uneasy in groups containing men.

I feel comfortable talking with men.

I can relax in the presence of men.

I avoid interacting with men whenever possible.

I avoid places where many men are present.

I avoid starting conversations with men.

I leave situations when men make me uncomfortable.

I can interact with men when necessary.

I am able to manage situations involving men.

My discomfort around men affects daily activities.

My fear of men affects relationships.

My concerns about men limit social opportunities.

My discomfort around men affects my confidence.

I can form healthy relationships with men.

I function well in environments that include men.