Entomophobia Severity Assessment (ESA)

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. Fear may be triggered by direct encounters with insects, anticipation of encountering insects, images or videos of insects, or environments where insects are likely to be present. In severe cases, entomophobia may lead to avoidance behaviors that interfere with recreation, travel, outdoor activities, occupational functioning, or overall quality of life.

The main purpose of Entomophobia Severity Assessment (ESA) is to evaluate insect-related fears using a multidimensional framework that examines triggers, emotional reactions, physical responses, avoidance behaviors, and functional impairment.

The Entomophobia Severity Assessment consists of three parts. Part 1: This section identifies specific insects, insect-related situations, and environments that provoke fear, anxiety, discomfort, disgust, or distress. Participants have to select all insects and situations that may trigger reactions. Part 2: (9 items) in this section emotional and physiological responses are measured that may occur when a person think about, and see insects. Part 3: (12 items) in this section behavioral responses and the impact of insect-related fears are measured on everyday functioning.

This assessment is intended for individuals interested in understanding their emotional, behavioral, and physical responses to insects. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

Responses are scored using a 5-point frequency scale: 0 = Never 1 = Rarely 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Very Often

The assessment contains four scored dimensions:

Emotional Reactions (6 items)
Physical Reactions (3 items)
Avoidance Behavior (6 items)
Functional Impact (6 items)

Part 1 serves as a trigger inventory and is not included in score calculations.

Dimension Score Ranges: Emotional Reactions: 0–24 | Physical Reactions: 0–24 | Avoidance Behavior: 0–24 | Functional Impact: 0–24

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

Higher scores indicate greater fear, anxiety, avoidance, distress, and functional impairment associated with insects.

Specific insects.

Spiders

Cockroaches

Bees

Wasps

Mosquitoes

Flies

Moths

Ants

Beetles

Centipedes

Worms

Other insects

Visual exposure.

Seeing insects nearby

Pictures of insects

Videos of insects

Insects crawling on surfaces

Flying insects nearby

Dead insects

Locations and environments.

Gardens

Forests

Basements

Garages

Outdoor activities

Camping

Places where insects gather

Thinking about insects makes me uncomfortable.

Seeing insects makes me uneasy.

Pictures of insects bother me.

Videos of insects bother me.

I stay emotionally calm around insects.

Insects rarely affect my emotions.

My heart races around insects.

I freeze when insects appear.

I move away quickly from insects.

I avoid gardens because of insects.

I avoid outdoor activities because of insects.

I ask others to remove insects for me.

I leave places when insects appear.

I can handle insects when necessary.

I stay in places where insects are present.

My fear affects outdoor enjoyment.

My fear affects travel plans.

My fear affects leisure activities.

My fear affects daily comfort.

My fear rarely interferes with life.

I function normally despite insects.