Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire

What it measures

Measures psychological flexibility in the domain of body image — the ability to experience negative body-related thoughts and feelings without these experiences unduly dictating behaviour. Grounded in ACT theory. Higher scores indicate greater body image psychological flexibility (lower experiential avoidance of body-related experiences).

Response format

Likert (1–7, never true to always true)

Representative items

• I am willing to put up with the discomfort associated with the way I look in order to do what I value.
• I am able to take action consistent with my values despite worries about my body.
• My body image gets in the way of maintaining the lifestyle I want. (R)
• I am able to think about what I really want even when I am concerned about my appearance.
• Despite my feelings about my body, I can lead a vital life.

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Higher scores = greater body image psychological flexibility. Freely available from Emily Sandoz. Sensitive to change in ACT-based body image interventions. Distinct from satisfaction-based body image measures by focusing on flexibility rather than evaluation.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Sandoz, E.K., Wilson, K.G., Merwin, R.M., & Kellum, K.K. (2013). Assessment of body image flexibility: The Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 2(1–2), 39–48.

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