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Beck Anxiety Inventory

Beck Anxiety Inventory

Background

  • 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

Purpose

  • 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

Validity

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

What is BAI?

  • 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

Test Administration

  • 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

Scoring and Interpretation

  • 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

Clinical and Research Uses

  • 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