Beck Anxiety Inventory

developed by Aaron T. Beck and Robert A. Steer in 1988
published a revised manual in 1993 after some changes in terms of scoring were made
the test was also translated in Spanish

to assess a person’s anxiety level based on rating of symptoms given in 21 item assessment
designed for adult population, or 17 years old and above
also assesses a broad range of emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms but not depression

the BAI was moderately correlated with the revised Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (0.51)
mildly correlated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (0.25)

21-item multiple choice self-report inventory that measures the severity of anxiety in adults and adolescents during the past week
uses a Likert scale that ranges from 0 to 3
requires only basic reading skills
each item presents a simple description that corresponds to an anxiety symptom which can be * subjective (unable to relax) * neurophysiologic (numbness) * autonomic (feeling hot) * panic-related (losing control)
Psychometric Properties * psychometrically sound * high internal consistency score (Cronbach’s alpha) = 0.92-0.94 * acceptable test-retest reliability score = 0.75

the test takes about 5 to 10 minutes to answer
utilizes self-administration -- answered using a pre-printed copy of the test and pen
administered by a trained professional -- orally for sight impaired individuals

manual scoring of Q-Global scoring (Pearson’s web-based platform for test administration)
items scored on 4-point scale ranging from 0-3: * “not at all” = 0 point * “mildly; it did not bother me much” = 1 point * “moderately; it was unpleasant, but I could stand it” = 2 points * “severely; I could barely stand it” = 3 points
Report interpretation of scores * clinician examine specific items to determine whether the symptom is subjective, neurophysiologic, autonomic, panic-related * can be further assessed during DSM criteria to identify specific diagnostic category and plan interventions
Total score = sum of ratings of 21 items
Maximum total score = 63 * 0-21 = low anxiety * 22-35 = moderate anxiety * >36 = severe anxiety

can be used * to assess and establish baseline anxiety level * as a diagnostic aid to detect the effectiveness of treatment as it progress * as a post-treatment outcome measure
fast and easy administration, repeatability, discrimination between symptoms of anxiety and depression
ability to highlight the connection between mind and body for those seeking help to reduce their anxiety
proven validity across languages, cultures, and age ranges
has been adapted specifically for youth -- BAI-Y; useful for preventing threats to physical and psychological safety of the youth