Analysis

The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire – Stigma (AAQ-S) is a specialized tool used to measure psychological flexibility in relation to stigma. It assesses an individual’s ability to accept thoughts and emotions associated with stigma and to engage in actions aligned with their values despite the presence of these thoughts and emotions.

Objective

The primary aim of the AAQ-S is to measure psychological flexibility and the acceptance of emotions and thoughts that arise from stigma. This scale is commonly used in studies involving groups experiencing stigmatization, such as individuals living with HIV, mental illness, or other conditions associated with social stigma.

Scoring

The questionnaire consists of a series of statements to which participants respond using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (never true) to 7 (always true). Total scores are calculated by summing the responses, with higher scores indicating greater psychological flexibility and acceptance of stigma.

References

Levin, M. E., Luoma, J. B., & Haeger, J. A. (2015). Decoupling as a mechanism of change in mindfulness and acceptance: A literature review. Behavior Modification, 39(6), 870-911.