Do I suffer from fear of failure? 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 Failure

Are you afraid of failing and not reaching your goals? Do setbacks weigh on you excessively? Our test helps you assess how you handle the fear of failure.

Typical signs of pronounced fear of failure can include:

  • Excessive self-criticism and self-deprecation after setbacks,
  • Avoidance of challenges out of fear of failing,
  • Perfectionistic demands on your own performance.

This test lets you reflect on how strongly the fear of failure influences your life. Please note that it does not replace a professional diagnosis.

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

Fear of Failure 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 feel obliged to do everything you do without making mistakes?

2. Do you feel that you are only valuable when you meet your own high standards?

3. Does the thought of not being enough in an intimate situation frighten you?

4. Do you often approach new tasks already convinced that you might fail?

5. Before important appointments or events, do you ruminate so much that you have trouble sleeping?

6. During demanding tasks, do you sometimes have trouble thinking clearly or concentrating?

7. Do you use alcohol or sedatives to reduce anxiety before a challenge?

8. Do you often pressure yourself to be perfect at work or in other areas?

9. Do you avoid certain situations because you fear you might not be good enough?

10. In daily life, do you rarely allow yourself conscious relaxation or breaks?

11. Do you postpone unpleasant tasks because you are afraid of possible mistakes?

12. Is it especially important to you that others see you as competent and successful?

13. Do you feel guilty or ashamed when you make a mistake?

14. Do you constantly check your work or actions to make sure everything is correct?

15. Do you often compare your successes with those of others and feel inadequate?

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.