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

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