Table of Contents
The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire
Here in this post, we are sharing the “Acceptance and Action Questionnaire”. You can read psychometric and Author information. We have thousands of Scales and questionnaires in our collection (See Scales and Questionnaires). You can demand us any scale and questionnaires related to psychology through our community, and we will provide you with a short time. Keep visiting Psychology Roots.
About The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire
Scale Name
The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-2)
Author Details
Frank Bond
Read More about Professor Frank Bond Click here
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-2) emerged from the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework, founded by Frank Bond and Dr. Steven C. Hayes. Developed in 2011, it aimed to improve upon an earlier version (AAQ) by addressing issues with internal consistency. With just 10 concise statements, the AAQ-2 delves into a crucial construct: psychological flexibility.
This concept refers to your ability to accept your thoughts and feelings, even unpleasant ones, without getting controlled by them. It also encompasses being present in the moment and aligning your actions with your values. Essentially, the AAQ-2 measures how skillfully you manage your inner world while pursuing meaningful goals.
Scoring is straightforward, with each statement rated on a 7-point scale. Higher scores indicate greater psychological inflexibility, which is linked to various mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and addiction. This information helps both individuals and therapists track progress in ACT therapy and identify potential vulnerabilities.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the AAQ-2 is not a diagnostic tool. While it offers valuable insights, a comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional is necessary for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Beyond clinical settings, the AAQ-2 can be used for self-reflection and personal growth. Understanding your level of psychological flexibility can empower you to manage difficult emotions, cultivate mindful awareness, and live more aligned with your values.
So, whether you’re curious about personal well-being or seeking therapy tools, the AAQ-2 offers a concise window into your psychological flexibility, paving the way for greater growth and acceptance.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Self-administered paper or online format: This is the most common method, where individuals read the statements and rate their agreement on a scale. Instructions should be clear and easily understood.
- Clinician-administered interview: In some cases, a qualified professional may administer the questionnaire verbally and ask clarifying questions for better understanding. This can be helpful for individuals with limitations in reading or comprehension.
- Informed consent: Before administering the AAQ-2, ensure individuals understand the purpose, potential risks and benefits, and how their data will be used.
- Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality of responses and ensure data is stored securely.
- Interpretation: Scores should be interpreted by qualified professionals considering individual context and potential co-occurring factors.
- Limitations: Remember, the AAQ-2 is a self-report measure and not a diagnostic tool. It cannot provide a definitive diagnosis or replace a comprehensive clinical assessment.
Reliability and Validity
The AAQ-2 has been thoroughly examined in terms of its reliability and validity. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
- Internal consistency: Multiple studies report strong internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values typically above 0.80, indicating items within the scale cohere well.
- Test-retest reliability: The AAQ-2 shows moderate test-retest reliability over short and longer periods (3-12 months) with correlations around 0.80. This suggests consistency in scores over time for relatively stable populations.
- Content validity: The items directly address core concepts of psychological flexibility within the ACT framework, supporting content validity.
- Convergent validity: The AAQ-2 correlates positively with other measures of related constructs like anxiety, depression, and experiential avoidance, suggesting it captures similar aspects of mental health.
- Discriminant validity: Some studies report mixed findings, with concerns about overlapping with specific aspects of distress rather than solely measuring psychological inflexibility. Further research is ongoing.
Available Versions
10-Items AAQ-2
19-Items AAQ-R
49-Items AAQ
Reference
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., Wilson, K. G., Bissett, R. T., Pistorello, J., Toarmino, D., … & McCurry, S. M. (2004). Measuring experiential avoidance: A preliminary test of a working model. The psychological record, 54, 553-578.
Bond, F. W., & Bunce, D. (2003). The role of acceptance and job control in mental health, job satisfaction, and work performance. Journal of applied psychology, 88(6), 1057.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AAQ-2?
The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-2) is a 10-item questionnaire that measures psychological flexibility. It assesses your ability to accept your thoughts and feelings, live in the present moment, and align your actions with your values.
Who developed the AAQ-2?
The primary author is Frank Bond and Dr. Steven C. Hayes, the founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The AAQ-2 was developed collaboratively with other researchers in 2011.
How is the AAQ-2 scored?
Each item is rated on a 7-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater psychological inflexibility.
What does the AAQ-2 tell you?
The AAQ-2 can help you understand how well you manage your inner world and pursue your values. Higher scores may suggest difficulties with acceptance, present-moment awareness, and living according to your values.
Disclaimer
Please note that Psychology Roots does not have the right to grant permission for the use of any psychological scales or assessments listed on its website. To use any scale or assessment, you must obtain permission directly from the author or translator of the tool. Psychology Roots provides information about various tools and their administration procedures, but it is your responsibility to obtain proper permissions before using any scale or assessment. If you need further information about an author’s contact details, please submit a query to the Psychology Roots team.
Help Us Improve This Article
Have you discovered an inaccuracy? We put out great effort to give accurate and scientifically trustworthy information to our readers. Please notify us if you discover any typographical or grammatical errors.
Make a comment. We acknowledge and appreciate your efforts.
If you have any scale or any material related to psychology kindly share it with us at psychologyroots@gmail.com. We help others on behalf of you.