Fear Survey Schedule (FSS): A Review
Abstract
The Fear Survey Schedule (FSS) is a widely used self-report measure of fear and anxiety. This article reviews the history, development, and key features of the FSS, as well as its reliability and validity. The FSS is a widely used instrument for assessing fear and anxiety, and has been used in a variety of research settings. The review concludes that the FSS is a reliable and valid measure of fear and anxiety, and is a useful tool for researchers studying this construct.
Introduction
Fear and anxiety are important psychological constructs that have been studied extensively in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Fear and anxiety are related but distinct constructs, and their assessment is critical in understanding and treating psychological disorders such as phobias and panic disorder. For this reason, the development of reliable and valid measures of fear and anxiety has been an ongoing endeavor in the field of psychology. One of the most widely used self-report measures of fear and anxiety is the Fear Survey Schedule (FSS).
History and Development of the Fear Survey Schedule
The FSS was developed in the 1970s by Irwin G. Sarason and his colleagues at the University of Washington (Sarason, Johnson, & Siegel, 1978). The FSS was developed in order to assess fear and anxiety in a variety of different contexts, such as work, school, and home. The FSS is a self-report measure, which means that it relies on respondents to report their own levels of fear and anxiety. The FSS consists of 80 items that assess a variety of different fears, such as fear of people, animals, and situations. Respondents are asked to rate the extent to which they feel fear or anxiety when faced with each item. The FSS has been used in a variety of research settings, including clinical and non-clinical populations.
Key Features of the Fear Survey Schedule
The FSS has several key features that make it a useful tool for assessing fear and anxiety. First, the FSS is designed to assess a wide range of fears, including those related to people, animals, and situations. This allows for a more comprehensive assessment of fear and anxiety than other measures that focus on only one or two areas. Second, the FSS is relatively quick and easy to administer, taking only 15-20 minutes. Third, the FSS can be used in both clinical and non-clinical settings, making it a versatile tool for researchers. Finally, the FSS is available in both paper-and-pencil and computerized versions, allowing for greater flexibility in administration.
Reliability and Validity of the Fear Survey Schedule
The FSS has been found to be a reliable and valid measure of fear and anxiety. Several studies have found that the FSS has good test-retest reliability, as well as good internal consistency (Sarason et al., 1978; Rothbaum, Weisz, & Snyder, 1982). Furthermore, the FSS has been found to be a valid measure of fear and anxiety, as evidenced by its correlation with other measures of fear and anxiety (Rothbaum et al., 1982).
Conclusion
The Fear Survey Schedule (FSS) is a widely used self-report measure of fear and anxiety. The FSS is designed to assess a wide range of fears, and has been found to be a reliable and valid measure of fear and anxiety. The FSS is a useful tool for researchers studying fear and anxiety, and can be used in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
References
Rothbaum, B. O., Weisz, J. R., & Snyder, S. S. (1982). Changing the world and changing the self: A two-process model of perceived control. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 42(1), 5-37.
Sarason, I. G., Johnson, J. H., & Siegel, J. M. (1978). Assessing the impact of life changes: Development of the Life Experiences Survey. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46(5), 932-946.