Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness – Version 2 (MAIA-2)
How well can you sense your body's signals—like tension, breath, or gut feelings? This updated research-validated assessment measures your interoceptive awareness across 8 key dimensions to support focus, stress regulation, and overall well-being.
Time:~5 minutes
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Notice and work with body signals to support focus, stress regulation, and sleep. This assessment helps you understand how you connect with internal bodily sensations and respond to them effectively.
What This Assessment Measures
**Noticing** – Awareness of physical sensations
**Not-Distracting** – Tendency not to ignore or suppress discomfort
**Not-Worrying** – Ability to sense discomfort without over-worrying
**Attention Regulation** – Staying focused on bodily sensations
**Emotional Awareness** – Noticing how emotions show up physically
**Self-Regulation** – Using body awareness to calm distress
**Body Listening** – Seeking information from the body
**Trusting** – Feeling safe in one's body
Why This Matters
Your ability to notice and work with body signals affects everything from focus and decision-making to stress management and sleep quality. Strong interoceptive awareness helps you stay grounded under pressure and recognize early warning signs before burnout hits.
Research Background
This 37-item assessment is the updated version (MAIA-2, 2018) with improved reliability for measuring different dimensions of body awareness while distinguishing helpful awareness from anxious hyper-vigilance.
Research Background
Scientifically Validated Interoceptive Awareness Assessment
The MAIA-2 is the updated version of the validated tool to measure different dimensions of interoceptive awareness—how we sense and respond to internal bodily signals. The 2018 version improved reliability for two key scales while maintaining the original 8-factor structure.
What This Measures
Noticing
Awareness of uncomfortable, comfortable, and neutral body sensations
Not-Distracting
Tendency not to ignore or distract from pain or discomfort
Not-Worrying
Ability to experience discomfort without emotional distress or worry
Attention Regulation
Ability to sustain and control attention to body sensations
Emotional Awareness
Recognition of the connection between body sensations and emotions
Self-Regulation
Using body awareness to regulate psychological distress
Body Listening
Active listening to body signals for insight and information
Trusting
Experience of one's body as safe and trustworthy
When to Use This
Professional Stress Management
When you need to identify early stress signals and develop better coping strategies in high-pressure work environments.
Leadership Development
To enhance emotional intelligence and decision-making by tuning into 'gut feelings' and bodily wisdom.
Burnout Prevention
For recognizing physical warning signs before burnout occurs and building resilience through body awareness.
Mindfulness Training
As a baseline and progress measure in meditation, yoga, or somatic therapy programs.
Why This Assessment Matters
Interoceptive awareness is fundamental to emotional regulation, stress management, and decision-making. Research shows that people with stronger body awareness demonstrate better resilience, more accurate 'gut feelings,' and superior emotional intelligence—all crucial for professional success and personal well-being.
Learn More About the Research
Explore the research methodology, findings, and practical applications of the updated MAIA-2 assessment.
Deep Dive: The Science Behind Body Awareness (MAIA-2)Research Source
Mehling et al. (2018). The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Version 2 (MAIA-2).