The Snake Anxiety Questionnaire as a Measure of Ophidophobia

Abstract

The validity of the Snake Anxiety Questionnaire (SNAQ) was examined by creating four fear groups based on SNAQ quartiles. The high cognitive fear group was significantly different from all other groups for women. No differences were found for men. The dependent measure in these tests was a Behavioral Avoidance Test (BAT). The SNAQ was also found not to be particularly sensitive to a brief experience that should reduce fear levels. The percentage of extremely fearful individuals was found to be 2 to 3 percent. Evidence was also presented demonstrating that the SNAQ produces a large number of false positives, that is, individuals who state that they are afraid of snakes but are perfectly able to approach a caged snake.