How long does this quiz take?

This quiz takes about 1–2 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz diagnose an anxiety disorder?

No. This quiz is a self-reflection tool, not a diagnostic assessment, and cannot replace professional evaluation.

Can my results help me reduce future-related worry?

Yes. Your results can help you recognize patterns of future-focused anxiety and decide whether further coping strategies or support may be helpful.

Discover whether anxious thoughts about what lies ahead are quietly shaping your outlook and daily decisions.

Dark Future Scale

A brief psychology-based quiz to explore how you relate to uncertainty and the future.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

Many people worry about what’s next, but for some, thoughts about the future are consistently colored by fear and dread. The Future Anxiety Assessment explores how strongly concerns about upcoming life events, stability, and long-term outcomes influence your mindset and emotional well-being.

When future-focused fear becomes dominant, it can fuel rumination, avoidance, and difficulty staying present. This pattern often overlaps with heightened sensitivity to internal bodily cues and stress reactions, which is why some people may also find insight from the Anxiety Sensitivity Test.

Understanding your future anxiety can be an important first step toward developing a more balanced outlook. If your results suggest persistent worry or pessimism, you may also benefit from exploring resilience-related strengths using tools like the Brief Resilience Scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: This quiz takes about 1–2 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Dark Future Scale answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Dark Future Scale results may have changed.
Will this quiz diagnose an anxiety disorder?: No. This quiz is a self-reflection tool, not a diagnostic assessment, and cannot replace professional evaluation.
Can my results help me reduce future-related worry?: Yes. Your results can help you recognize patterns of future-focused anxiety and decide whether further coping strategies or support may be helpful.

Future Anxiety Assessment: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Future Anxiety

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I feel unsettled by the idea that I may not achieve the goals I’ve set for myself.

2. I often feel that the challenges I’m facing now will stretch far into the future.

3. Thinking about unexpected crises or major setbacks in my life makes me feel deeply uneasy.

4. I frequently imagine my life taking a turn for the worse over time.

5. I worry that economic or political instability could seriously affect my future security.

6. I feel uneasy when I think about how little control I may have over what happens in my future.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Dark Future Scale Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Zaleski, Z., Sobol-Kwapinska, M., Przepiorka, A., & Meisner, M. (2017). Development and validation of the Dark Future Scale. Time & Society, 28(1), 107–123.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.