Deenz Social Observation Fear Scale (DSOFS)

Scopophobia, also known as the fear of being watched or observed, is characterized by persistent anxiety, discomfort, or distress when an individual believes that other people are looking at, evaluating, or paying attention to them. Although many people occasionally feel self-conscious, individuals with elevated scopophobia often experience excessive worry about being noticed, judged, criticized, or embarrassed during everyday situations.

Fear of observation may lead to avoidance of public places, reduced participation in social activities, difficulty speaking in front of others, and increased self-monitoring. These reactions can interfere with education, employment, relationships, and overall quality of life.

The Deenz Social Observation Fear Scale (DSOFS) was developed to provide a multidimensional assessment of emotional reactions, thoughts, attention patterns, confidence, avoidance behaviors, and coping strategies associated with fear of social observation.

Read each statement carefully and answer honestly based on how you usually think, feel, or behave. Choose the response that best represents your typical experience.

The Deenz Social Observation Fear Scale (DSOFS) consists of three assessment parts.

Part 1: Feelings

Dimensions: Anxiety (4 items) - Evaluation (4 items) - Embarrassment (4 items) - Awareness (4 items)

Total Items: 16

Part 2: Thoughts

Dimensions: Evaluation (4 items) - Worry (4 items) - Attention (4 items) - Confidence (4 items)

Total Items: 16

Each dimension contains one reverse-scored item.

Raw Score Range: 0–192

Percentage Score = (Raw Score ÷ 192) × 100

I feel nervous when people look at me.

I avoid crowded places.

I prefer not to attract attention.

I feel comfortable being noticed.

I avoid speaking in front of groups.

I worry about making a bad impression.

I think others notice my mistakes.

I rarely worry about being judged.

I blush when people notice me.

I feel awkward in public.

I become self-conscious around others.

I stay relaxed in social settings.

I choose places where I am less visible.

I pay attention to where others are looking.

I avoid eye contact.

I rarely notice other people's attention.

I think people judge my appearance.

I think people judge my behavior.

I think people remember my mistakes.

I enjoy meeting new people.

I worry before entering busy places.

I worry about becoming the center of attention.

I worry about embarrassing myself.

I rarely worry about attention.

I notice people watching me.

I cancel plans because of social anxiety.

I notice facial expressions quickly.

I ignore other people's attention.

I trust myself around people.

I speak without worrying too much.

I feel confident in public.

I doubt myself around others.