How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 5 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 tell me if I have clinical anxiety?

No, this is a self-assessment tool designed to measure distress levels related to arachnids and is not a clinical diagnosis.

Can my results help me manage my stress?

Yes, by identifying which areas of worry affect you most, you can better target your coping strategies.

Assess the intensity of your spider phobia with this scientifically informed questionnaire.

Arachnophobia Severity Scale

Understand your spider fear level.

By Scott Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: February 17, 2026

Reviewed by Mark Travers, Ph.D.

The Arachnophobia Severity Scale is designed to help you evaluate the intensity of your reaction to spiders and arachnids. Inspired by established psychometric research, this test assesses various dimensions of spider phobia, from avoidance behaviors to physiological responses. Understanding the depth of your fear is the first step toward managing it. For more insights into your specific fears, you might also consider taking our Fear of Arthropods Questionnaire or exploring our broader Fear of Animals Scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about five minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Arachnophobia Severity 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 Arachnophobia Severity Scale results may have changed.
Will this quiz diagnose me with a phobia?: This quiz is for educational purposes and can indicate the severity of your fear, but only a licensed professional can diagnose a specific phobia.
Can my results help me overcome my fear?: Yes, understanding the specific triggers and intensity of your fear is a crucial first step in seeking appropriate exposure therapy or self-help strategies.

Arachnophobia Severity Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Agreement

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 would avoid traveling to locations known for tarantulas, like certain parts of Mexico.

2. I check fruit like bananas carefully because I fear spiders might be hiding in them.

3. I would refuse to take a biology class if it involved handling live spiders.

4. I would stop reading a story if a spider was introduced into the plot.

5. In addition to spiders, I also feel anxious around millipedes and caterpillars.

6. I would take a longer route to avoid a spider-prone area, even if I were running late.

7. I avoid outdoor activities like camping because I might encounter spiders.

8. Holding a toy spider would cause me significant anxiety.

9. I have to look away if a movie scene shows a spider crawling on someone.

10. I dislike seeing photographs of spiders in magazines or books.

11. I cannot sleep if I know there is a spider on the ceiling nearby.

12. The thought of touching a spider, even a harmless one, terrifies me.

13. I become jumpy and alert if someone mentions spiders are nearby.

14. I avoid going into basements if I suspect spiders might be present.

15. Finding a spider in my shoe would make me feel extremely uncomfortable.

16. The sight of a spider makes me feel physically tense.

17. I feel physically nauseous when I see a spider.

18. Just thinking about spiders makes me shudder.

19. I cannot understand how anyone could hold a spider without fear.

20. I find the way spiders move to be disgusting.

21. I would likely run away if I saw a spider while cleaning.

22. I am more afraid of spiders than any other animal.

23. I always shake out my clothes or towels before using them to ensure no spiders are hiding inside.

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 Arachnophobia Severity Scale Answers

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

References

Klorman, R., Weerts, T. C., Hastings, J. E., Melamed, B. G., Lang, P. J. (1974). Psychometric descriptions of some specific fear questionnaires. Behavior Therapy, 5, 401-409.

Disclaimer

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