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Appearance Anxiety Inventory
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About Appearance Anxiety Inventory
Scale Name
Appearance Anxiety Inventory
Author Details
David Veale
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
In 2014, a need arose for a more efficient tool to assess body image anxiety and potential Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Recognizing this gap, David Veale, in collaboration with a team of researchers, led the development of the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI). This 10-question self-report questionnaire aimed to capture both cognitive and behavioral aspects of body image concerns.
Prior to the AAI, existing measures were either lengthy or focused solely on specific BDD symptoms. The AAI addressed these limitations by being concise, user-friendly, and encompassing crucial components of body image anxiety like preoccupation with flaws, avoidance behaviors, and constant appearance checks.
With its two subscales – Avoidance and Threat Monitoring – the AAI shed light on both the avoidance strategies individuals might employ due to negative body image and their vigilant attention to perceived flaws. This two-pronged approach provided a broader perspective on the complexities of body image anxiety.
Since its development, the AAI has emerged as a valuable tool for various purposes. It effectively serves as a screening instrument for potential BDD, aiding in early identification and intervention. Additionally, its sensitivity to change makes it useful for monitoring symptom progress during treatment, helping track both improvement and potential setbacks.
The AAI stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in addressing a critical aspect of mental health. Its clear structure, ease of use, and robust psychometric properties have earned it a prominent place in the assessment of body image anxiety and BDD.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Provide clear and concise instructions for completing the questionnaire.
- Explain that the AAI measures concerns about appearance and how these concerns might impact daily life.
- Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers and encourage honesty in responses.
- Instruct respondents to read each statement carefully and choose the answer that best reflects their experience in the past week.
- Answers are usually marked on a Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (all the time).
Reliability and Validity
The AAI has been tested through several studies to assess its reliability and validity, with generally positive results. Here’s a breakdown of its key strengths:
- Internal consistency: The AAI demonstrates high internal consistency, meaning the items within each subscale and the overall score are highly correlated. This is typically measured by Cronbach’s alpha, and the AAI has shown alphas above 0.85, indicating strong coherence within the scale.
- Test-retest reliability: When tested with the same population over time, the AAI shows consistent results, suggesting it measures stable constructs (appearance anxiety) and minimizes random error. Studies report respectable test-retest reliability coefficients exceeding 0.70.
- Convergent validity: The AAI correlates positively with other established measures of body image concerns and related disorders, such as the Bodily Dysmorphic Disorder Examination (BDDE) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). This indicates that the AAI captures similar constructs as other validated instruments.
- Discriminant validity: The AAI can differentiate between individuals with BDD and those without BDD, supporting its ability to accurately identify specific concerns.
- Sensitivity to change: The AAI demonstrates sensitivity to change over time, meaning it can detect improvements or worsening in symptoms during treatment, making it useful for monitoring progress.
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
Veale, D., Eshkevari, E., Kanakam, N., Ellison, N., Costa, A., & Werner, T. (2014). The Appearance Anxiety Inventory: Validation of a process measure in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 42(5), 605-616.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AAI?
The AAI is a 10-question self-report questionnaire designed to measure the cognitive and behavioral aspects of body image anxiety. It helps assess concerns about appearance and their impact on daily life.
Who can use the AAI?
The AAI is primarily used by:
Mental health professionals to screen for potential Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and monitor symptoms during treatment.
Researchers to study body image concerns and related disorders.
How is the AAI administered?
The AAI is typically completed independently by the individual, either on paper or electronically. Instructions are provided, and individuals rate each statement on a Likert scale based on their experience in the past week.
What are the subscales of the AAI?
Avoidance: Measures the extent to which people avoid situations or people due to their appearance concerns.
Threat Monitoring: Measures how often people check their appearance and look for flaws.
Is the AAI reliable and valid?
Yes, the AAI has undergone research and shows good reliability and validity. It has high internal consistency, good test-retest reliability, and correlates with other established measures of body image concerns. However, limitations exist like sample bias and self-report bias.
Can the AAI diagnose BDD?
No, the AAI is a screening tool and not a diagnostic instrument. Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose BDD through comprehensive evaluation.
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