Phobic Stimuli Response Scale (PSRS)
A 46-item self-report scale measuring five subtypes of common phobic fears: blood-injection, bodily harm, social, animal, and confinement.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Phobic Stimuli Response Scale (PSRS) was developed by Cutshall, C. & Watson, D. (2004). It is designed to measure Phobic fears. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 46 items organized into 5 factors/subscales: Blood-Injection Scale, Bodily Harm Scale, Social Scale, Animal Scale, Physical Confinement Scale.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Blood-Injection Scale | 2,7,13,15,17,19,22,30,32,41 | 10 |
| Bodily Harm Scale | 5,10,24,31,36,38,42,43 | 8 |
| Social Scale | 3,6,16,18,27,28,33,34,35,39,45 | 11 |
| Animal Scale | 1,4,12,14,29,37,44,46 | 8 |
| Physical Confinement Scale | 8,9,11,20,21,23,25,26,40 | 9 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 4 = Strongly Agree).
The scale includes 2 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 1 to 4. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low fear (Average item score): 1 – 2
- Moderate fear (Average item score): 2 – 3
- High fear (Average item score): 3 – 4
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.80 to 0.87.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.