ABSTRACT
There is less support for the content validity of the BAI. Although the included items (e.g., nervous, shaky, unable to relax) accurately depict the construct of anxiety, they do not accomplish this goal fully. For example, cognitive components of anxiety, such as heightened self-focus, fear of social harm, and worry are underrepresented in the scale. Additionally, symptoms of anxiety such as restlessness and
that would be difficult for outside observers to rate (e.g., fear of losing control, heart pounding), necessitating the self-report format. Clinician ratings and interviews can be used to supplement findings from the BAI and to serve as concurrent validation of the patient's status, but, of course, these too are ultimately dependent on the patient's report.
