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Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE)

Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE) Test

Understand how strongly you fear negative judgment from others in about 3 minutes. A fast 12 question check that delivers clear results for screening, research, or tracking change over time.

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Questions: 123 minutes

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08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

25807 views

2903 completions

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

45/60

Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FoNES)

Measures how strongly a person fears being negatively evaluated or judged by others in social situations.

Low

Moderate

High

12 – 23: Low | 24 – 46: Moderate | 47 – 60: High

A score of 45 falls in the Moderate range, suggesting a noticeably elevated concern about negative judgment that may contribute to discomfort in evaluative social situations.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Socially anxious adults

44%OF USERS

People who frequently worry about being judged, criticized, or rejected in everyday social situations take it to understand the intensity of that fear.

Students and young professionals

33%OF USERS

Those facing presentations, interviews, dating, or new peer groups use it to gauge how fear of evaluation may be affecting confidence and performance.

Clients in counseling

23%OF USERS

People already working with a psychologist or therapist take it to track changes in fear of negative judgment over time and guide next steps.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

What You’ll See After You Finish the Test

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Used in 52+ countries

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you finish the test, your results will be compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of the benchmarks we use to place your score in context.

Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FoNES)

Average

Normal range

22.3 — 37.7

min.

max.

majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear here so you can see where you land.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions left?

What does this questionnaire measure?

It measures fear of negative evaluation, including concern about criticism, rejection, or unfavorable judgment. It is commonly used as an indicator of social anxiety-related concerns.

How long does it take to complete and how many items are included?

Completion typically takes about 3 minutes. The form includes 12 items.

How should items be answered?

Select the response option that best reflects how the statement generally applies. Answer all items without spending excessive time on any single question.

How are results interpreted?

Higher scores indicate greater concern about being negatively evaluated by others. Results are best interpreted alongside clinical information or additional measures when screening or tracking change.

Is this questionnaire a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder?

No, it is a screening and monitoring measure rather than a diagnostic tool. A qualified clinician is required for diagnostic conclusions.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE) Test

social anxiety fear of negative evaluation

This measure assesses fear of negative evaluation, a core cognitive-affective component often associated with social anxiety. The Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE) is a brief self-report questionnaire intended to quantify concerns about being judged unfavorably by others. It includes 12 items and typically requires about 3 minutes to complete.

Items ask respondents to rate the degree to which they endorse worries about criticism, disapproval, or rejection, supporting efficient screening and symptom monitoring in clinical and research settings. The Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE) was originally developed by Ronald Friend.

Author: david-watson, Ronald Friend

Literature: Leary, M. R. A brief version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 1983.

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