Do I suffer from the fear of saying no? 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 Saying No

Do you find it difficult to say no and set boundaries? Do you say yes and amen to everything, even though you often feel taken advantage of? Our test helps you assess whether you may suffer from a fear of saying no.

Typical signs of a pronounced fear of saying no can include:

  • constantly setting aside your own needs and wishes,
  • pronounced conflict-avoidance in personal relationships,
  • the feeling of giving yourself up and being taken advantage of by others.

With this test you can reflect on how strongly the fear of saying no is influencing your life. Please note that this test does not replace a professional diagnosis.

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

Fear of Saying No Test: 10 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 brood over how others might react to your saying no?

2. Do you feel guilty when you decline a request?

3. Do you feel that refusing could have negative consequences for your relationships?

4. Do you imagine possible conflicts in advance when you want to say no?

5. Do you experience stress or physical tension when refusing to do something?

6. Do you find it difficult to give a direct refusal without using an excuse?

7. Are you afraid others might reject you if you assert your own wishes?

8. Do you feel obliged to justify yourself in detail when refusing a request?

9. Do you get annoyed with yourself later for not having said no?

10. Do you believe your relationships might suffer if you said no more often?

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.

Straight from my practice

Straight from the couples-therapy practice.

Here you'll find mini impulses from the practice.

Instagram @psypatric

Follow

YouTube @PsychPatric

Subscribe

TikTok @psychologepatric

Follow

LinkedIn Patric Pförtner

Connect
"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.