Criterion/Predictive
Scores on the SPS predicted both anxious cognitions and self-reported anxiety when participants were
instructed to ask another person out on a date within the first two minutes of meeting ( Gore et al., 2002 ). Patients
with severe rosacea scored significantly higher on the SPS than those with less severe rosacea and people without
rosacea. Understandably, many people who have the unsightly skin disorder are highly concerned about scrutiny
from other people. In a daily diary study of reactions to distressing social events, SPS scores were related to the
amount of time that people spent thinking about events than involved negative social evaluations both on the
same day as the event and on the day afterwards ( Lundh & Sperling, 2002 ).
Location
Mattick, R.P., & Clarke, J.C. (1998). Development and validation of measures of social phobia scrutiny fear and
social interaction anxiety. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 36 , 455/C0470.
Results and Comments
As noted, the SPS is not actually a measure of social phobia and should not be used as such. However, as a
measure of concerns with being observed while engaging in mundane behaviors, the SPS is the measure of
choice. Most work on concerns with social scrutiny has involved clinical samples (typically individuals diagnosed
with social phobia), so research is needed on the effects of such concerns (such as self-conscious distraction and
choking under pressure) in nonclinical samples.
SOCIAL PHOBIA SCALE
Indicate the degree to which you feel the statement is
characteristic or true of you.
05Not at all characteristic or true of me.
15Slightly characteristic or true of me.
25Moderately characteristic or true of me.
35Very characteristic or true of me.
45Extremely characteristic or true of me.
1.I become anxious if I have to write in front of other
people.
2.I become self-conscious when using public toilets.
3.I can suddenly become aware of my own voice and
of others listening to me.
4.I get nervous that people are staring at me as I walk
down the street.
5.I fear I may blush when I am with others.
6.I feel self-conscious if I have to enter a room where
others are already seated.
7.I worry about shaking or trembling when I’m
watched by other people.
8.I would get tense if I had to sit facing other people
on a bus or a train.9.I get panicky that others might see me to be faint,
sick or ill.
10.I would find it difficult to drink something if in a
group of people.
11.It would make me feel self-conscious to eat in front
of a stranger at a restaurant.
12.I am worried people will think my behavior odd.
13.I would get tense if I had to carry a tray across a
crowded cafeteria.
14.I worry I’ll lose control of myself in front of other
people.
15.I worry I might do something to attract the attention
of others.
16.When in an elevator I am tense if people look at me.
17.I can feel conspicuous standing in a queue.
18.I get tense when I speak in front of other people.
19.I worry my head will shake or nod in front
of others.
20.I feel awkward and tense if I know people are
watching me.
Note: Reproduced with permission.
Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS)
(Hart et al., 1989 ).
Variable
Social physique anxiety is the tendency to experience anxiety about others’ perceptions or evaluations of one’s
physique. Although many people are disconcerted when they believe that others are evaluating their body’s size460 16. MEASURES OF CONCERNS WITH PUBLIC IMAGE AND SOCIAL EVALUATION
IV. INTERPERSONAL STYLES