Validity of the Biofield Assessment Form (BAF)

Abstract

IntroductionThe human biofield is a construct that is thought to be a determinant of human health and well-being. The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a Biofield Assessment Form (BAF), which could describe important aspects of the human biofield. Additionally, based on data from two independent empirical studies, the construct validity (i.e., dimensionality), relationship to quality of life, and interrater agreement on the BAF are explored. MethodsIn Study 1, the biofield of N=336 subjects was assessed by biofield practitioners. These data were utilized to determine the construct validity of the BAF. A subsample of N=104 subjects provided information on their respective quality of life. In path modeling, this information was then utilized to determine whether the biofield, as assessed by the BAF, was related to quality of life. In Study 2, the biofield of N=44 subjects was assessed in order to determine the interrater reliability of the BAF. ResultsAs expected, the BAF could distinguish between seven main energy centers or chakras, and thirteen body areas. Also, the biofield was positively related to participants’ quality of life. This provided preliminary support for the BAF’s criterion validity. Finally, it could be demonstrated that in Study 2, independent biofield practitioners strongly agreed on all characteristics of the biofield. ConclusionThese studies provide preliminary evidence for the notion that the BAF permits a valid and reliable description of the human biofield.