Interaction Anxiousness Scale
Interaction Anxiousness Scale used in psychology are essential tools for clinical and research assessments. This post is based on dissertations submitted by students during their academic programs. At ‘Mental Health,’ we arrange and provide these resources to you. Here is the complete list of resources (Click Here). To access these materials, click on the ‘Avail File’ section below.”

About Interaction Anxiousness Scale
The Interaction Anxiousness Scale (IAS) is a psychological assessment tool designed to measure the level of anxiety an individual experiences during social interactions. Developed by Leary in 1983, this scale is particularly useful for assessing social anxiety, a common but often debilitating condition where individuals experience significant distress in social situations. The IAS provides valuable insights into the nature and extent of social anxiety, making it a crucial tool for clinicians, researchers, and mental health professionals.
Purpose of the Tool
The primary purpose of the Interaction Anxiousness Scale is to assess the degree of anxiety that individuals feel in various social situations. This tool is designed to identify individuals who are particularly prone to social anxiety, which can manifest in different ways, such as fear of negative evaluation, discomfort in social settings, or avoidance of social interactions. The IAS is frequently used in both clinical and research settings to diagnose social anxiety disorder, evaluate the severity of social anxiety symptoms, and monitor changes in anxiety levels over time.
Description of the Tool
The Interaction Anxiousness Scale was developed to address the need for a specific measure of anxiety that occurs in social interactions. It consists of 15 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “Not at all characteristic of me” to “Extremely characteristic of me.” The items cover various aspects of social anxiety, including fear of negative evaluation, self-consciousness, and discomfort in social situations.
The IAS is straightforward to administer and interpret, making it an efficient tool for assessing social anxiety in both clinical practice and research. It has been validated in numerous studies and has demonstrated good psychometric properties, including high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The scale is sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in social anxiety levels, making it useful for tracking progress in therapeutic interventions.
Age Group
The IAS is suitable for use with adolescents and adults who are experiencing or are at risk of social anxiety. It is commonly employed in clinical assessments, research studies, and therapeutic settings to better understand the impact of social anxiety on an individual’s daily life and to develop targeted treatment plans.
Administration Steps
- Explain the Purpose: Start by explaining to the respondent that the IAS is designed to measure the level of anxiety they experience during social interactions, helping to identify social anxiety symptoms.
- Provide the Scale: Hand out the IAS, explaining how to rate each item on the 5-point Likert scale. Ensure that the respondent understands that the scale assesses how characteristic each statement is of their typical behavior in social situations.
- Ensure Confidentiality: Assure the respondent that their answers will remain confidential and will be used solely to understand their social anxiety levels.
- Allow Completion: Give the respondent enough time to complete the scale, usually around 10 minutes, and offer to clarify any items if needed.
- Score and Interpret: Once completed, sum the scores to get an overall measure of social anxiety. Interpret the results within the context of the individual’s broader psychological assessment, considering the severity and impact of social anxiety on their life.
Avail the Tool
To access the Interaction Anxiousness Scale or to learn more about its application in clinical and forensic settings, please visit our Contact Us page. Our team at ‘Mental Health’ is here to support you in utilizing this comprehensive assessment tool for your practice or research needs.
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