Do I suffer from fear of criticism? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Fear of Criticism

Do you find it difficult to handle criticism? Do you experience criticism as threatening or as personal rejection? Our test helps you assess how you handle criticism and whether you may be suffering from an excessive fear of it.

Typical signs of a pronounced fear of criticism can include:

  • a strong need to please everyone and to be perfect,
  • setting aside your own needs to avoid criticism,
  • avoidance of situations in which you might be criticised.

With this test you can reflect on how strongly the fear of criticism is influencing your life. Please note that this test does not replace a professional diagnosis.

Originally written in German — read the original here: Kritikangst-Test.

Fear of Criticism Test: 15 Questions

All questions refer to the last 14 days. The answer options are scaled like a grading system — the first option counts as one point, the last as five. Choose one answer per question and click Evaluate Now at the end.

1. Do you often feel personally attacked or threatened when criticised?

2. Do you feel the need to complete tasks flawlessly to avoid criticism?

3. Do you often think about how others might judge your behaviour?

4. Do you hesitate to voice your wishes for fear of a negative reaction?

5. Do you avoid new challenges because you fear making mistakes?

6. Do you find it difficult to share your thoughts or feelings because you expect criticism?

7. Do you try to meet others' expectations in order to avoid criticism?

8. Do you avoid situations in which you might be the centre of attention, in order to cover up mistakes?

9. Do you tend to hide your mistakes from others?

10. Do you often blame others to deflect from your own mistakes?

11. Do you feel strongly hurt or offended when criticised?

12. Do you have difficulty forgiving your own mistakes?

13. Do you tend to criticise yourself harshly before others can?

14. Do you see criticism as a sign of your own failure?

15. Do you withdraw from people who have criticised you?

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional — such as a doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist — can advise you on the next steps.

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"Most arguments aren't the argument you think you're having."
"Trust doesn't grow through words. It grows through repetition."
"A strong relationship isn't one without conflict — it's one where you find your way back."
Psychologist Patric Pförtner is a registered full member of the BDP

Quality seal for psychological counselling awarded by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Registered full member of the BDP

Registered full member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Online psychological counselling quality seal

For my work, the BDP has awarded me the "Counselling by Psychologists" quality mark.