Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)

The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a self-report questionnaire that is widely used to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms in adults and adolescents. It was developed by Aaron T. Beck and Robert A. Steer and is based on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The BAI consists of 21 multiple-choice items that measure various symptoms of anxiety, including cognitive, emotional, and physical manifestations.

Purpose

The BAI is designed to provide a quantitative measure of an individual’s anxiety level. It helps clinicians and researchers assess the severity of anxiety symptoms, monitor changes over time, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions or treatments for anxiety disorders. It can also assist in diagnosing anxiety disorders and differentiating anxiety from other psychological conditions.

Administration

Individuals complete the BAI by responding to each item based on how they have been feeling in the past week, including the day of assessment. Each item is rated on a four-point scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 3 (severely). The scores from all items are summed to obtain a total score, which can range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety.

Interpretation of Scores

The total score on the BAI can be interpreted as follows:
– 0-7: Minimal anxiety
– 8-15: Mild anxiety
– 16-25: Moderate anxiety
– 26-63: Severe anxiety
However, it is important to consider individual differences and clinical judgement when interpreting the scores, as they may vary based on the context and the individual’s overall functioning.

Validity and Reliability

The BAI has demonstrated good psychometric properties, including high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It has also shown validity in distinguishing anxiety from depression. However, it is not a diagnostic tool in itself and should be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments and professional judgement.