Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire

Abstract

Definition The Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ) is a 1-factor, 12-item self-report scale designed to measure body image flexibility, the ability to accept and experience thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, and feelings about one’s body (Sandoz et al. 2013). Items (see Table 1) are rated on a seven-point Likert scale from 1 (never true) to 7 (always true) and are reverse scored and summed such that higher scores indicate greater body image flexibility. The BI-AAQ instructions and items are published in Sandoz et al. (2013). Historical Background Interest in body image flexibility emerged in response to the increasing use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches in eating disorder treatment (Sandoz et al. 2013). Specifically, body image flexibility was adapted from the ACT concept of psychological flexibility, defined as the openness to experience (Sandoz et al. 2013). In addition, body ...