Psychometric properties of a Romanian translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS)

Measurement invariance and differential item functioning of the functionality appreciation scale (FAS) in Colombia and Spain

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) is increasingly used in diverse national and linguistic contexts. However, limited work has assessed the extent to which the instrument demonstrates measurement invariance and differential item functioning (DIF) across nations and respondent characteristics. Here, we examined measurement invariance and DIF of the FAS using archival data from adults in Colombia (Mebarak et al., 2023) and Spain (Zamora et al., 2024). Participants included 1420 (women n = 804, men n = 616) respondents from Colombia and 838 (women n = 415, men n = 423) respondents from Spain who completed translations of the FAS. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure of the FAS in both national groups. Additionally, the FAS achieved full measurement invariance (up to latent mean invariance) across both groups. We also found that the FAS lacked DIF as a function of age, body mass index (BMI), and gender identity across both national groups. Older participants (relative to younger participants), men (relative to women), and participants with lower BMIs (relative to those with higher BMIs) had higher FAS scores. These results support the notion that the FAS is measuring a common underlying construct across these national groups and respondent characteristics.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Nightmares Distress Questionnaire (NDQ-AV) in a community sample of adolescents

BACKGROUND

The Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ), known and commonly used for its adequate psychometric properties, is the most widely used instrument for the measurement of nightmare distress. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of a newly translated Arabic version of the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ-AV).

METHODS

A total of 546 Lebanese adolescents was recruited for this study and completed the NDQ-AV, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the eight-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-8).

RESULTS

The results of the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported both a one-factor model and a two-factor model of the NDQ-AV, with the latter consisting of seven items within both factors. The first factor was referred to as the "general nightmare distress and coping" while the second was named "nightmare impact and perception". The reliability of the scale was excellent (α = 0.930 and ω = 0.915). Moreover, measurement invariance was shown across gender, demonstrating that this measure performs consistently for both men and women. Additionally, the NDQ-AV scores exhibited excellent reliability alongside factorial and concurrent validity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these results support the psychometric validity of the Arabic version of the NDQ. The availability of the NDQ-AV is expected to facilitate the understanding of nightmare distress within the Lebanese context.

Translation and validation of a Romanian version of the Breast Appreciation Scale (BrAS)

The 9-item Breast Appreciation Scale (BrAS; Swami et al., 2022) is a recently developed instrument that assesses a woman's positive breasted experiences. To date, however, the psychometric properties of the BrAS have only been investigated in English-speaking women. Here, we report on the translation and validation of a novel, Romanian version of the BrAS. A total of 555 cisgender women from Romania completed a Romanian translation of the BrAS along with additional measures of body image and psychological well-being. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified a stable unidimensional model of the BrAS, with all nine items retained. Additionally, the Romanian BrAS evidenced complete invariance (i.e., through to latent mean invariance) across mothers and non-mothers, though mothers had higher observed scores than non-mothers. Evidence of convergent, concurrent, and incremental validity was very strong when based on observed BrAS scores, but slightly weaker when based on latent BrAS scores. In particular, greater latent breast appreciation was significantly associated with higher body appreciation, lower breast size dissatisfaction, and higher self-esteem. Overall, these results suggest that the psychometric properties of the Romanian BrAS are robust and that the instrument can be effectively deployed in this linguistic context.

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the functionality appreciation scale

BACKGROUND

The Functionality Appreciation Scale is a 7-item measure of an individual's appreciation of his or her body for what it can do and is capable of doing. While this instrument has been increasingly used in intervention-based research, its psychometric properties have not been extensively studied in non-English-speaking populations. The psychometric properties of a novel Spanish translation of the FAS were examined.

METHODS

An online sample of 838 Spanish adults (mean age = 31.79 ± 11.95 years, 50.48% men) completed the Spanish FAS and validated measures of body appreciation, eating disorder symptomatology, intuitive eating, and life satisfaction.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis supported a 1-dimensional factor structure of the FAS, which was further supported by confirmatory factor analysis (SBχ²(14) = 83.82, SBχ²normed = 1.48, robust RMSEA = 0.094 (90% CI = 0.074, 0.115), SRMR = 0.040, robust CFI = 0.946, robust TLI = 0.924). Invariance across genders was shown, and there were no significant differences according to gender (t(417) = 0.77, p =.444, d = 0.07). Construct validity was also supported through significant associations with the other measures of the study. Incremental validity was established in women. Thus, appreciation of functionality predicted life satisfaction over and above the variance accounted for by other body image and eating disorder-related measures (F(4, 399) = 18.86, p <.001, ΔR2 = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the psychometric properties of the Spanish FAS and demonstrate the importance of the appreciation of functionality in relation to a healthier body image and psychological wellbeing.

Psychometric properties of a Spanish translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) in adults from Colombia

The 7-item Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) measures the extent of an individual's appreciation of their body for what it can do and is capable of doing. Although the FAS has been widely used in diverse linguistic contexts, it has not been previously translated into Spanish. Here, we examined the psychometric properties of a novel Spanish translation of the FAS in Colombian adults. A total of 1420 university students from Colombia (804 women, 616 men) completed the FAS, as well as additional validated measures. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in separate subsamples supported a unidimensional model of FAS scores. The FAS evidenced scalar invariance across gender identity, with men having significantly higher FAS scores than women (Cohen's d = 0.18). FAS scores were also found to have adequate composite reliability, as well as adequate convergent (significant associations with body appreciation, appearance evaluation, and eating disorder psychopathology) and concurrent validity (significant associations with self-esteem, life satisfaction, and gratitude). Functionality appreciation incrementally predicted life satisfaction in women, but not in men. Overall, these results suggest that the Spanish FAS is a psychometrically valid and reliable tool for the assessment of functionality appreciation in university-aged populations from Colombia.

Psychometric properties of a Dutch translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) among adults in the Netherlands

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS; Alleva et al., 2017) measures functionality appreciation, the extent to which people appreciate their body for what it is able to do. We translated the FAS to Dutch and evaluated its factor structure and psychometric properties among 471 native Dutch speakers in the Netherlands (255 cisgender women, 204 cisgender men, 8 nonbinary, 1 "other," 3 "rather not say") who were between 18 and 85 years old. Participants completed the Dutch translation of the FAS, followed by questionnaires to assess additional variables of interest (body appreciation, appearance satisfaction, self-esteem, and gratitude). Exploratory factor analysis showed that Dutch FAS scores demonstrated a unidimensional factor structure. Dutch FAS scores demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and construct validity via their positive associations with the additional variables of interest. Dutch FAS scores also demonstrated gender invariance, and women reported higher functionality appreciation than men. Dutch FAS scores evidenced incremental validity for gratitude (but not self-esteem), and were inversely correlated with age and body mass index. Last, 2-week test-retest reliability of the Dutch FAS scores was supported. Overall, these findings provide support that the Dutch FAS is a psychometrically sound instrument to assess functionality appreciation among Dutch speaking adults in the Netherlands.

Finding functionality: Rasch analysis of the Functionality Appreciation Scale in community-dwelling adults in the US

Introduction

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) measures an individual's appreciation for the functions their body can perform, regardless of the individual's physical limitations. Prior studies reported on internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and exploratory or confirmatory factor analyses, but Rasch analysis has not yet been performed to evaluate the structural validity of the FAS.

Methods

We recruited community-dwelling adults at the Minnesota State Fair and through contact lists of participants identifying interest in research done in the Brain Body Mind Lab (University of Minnesota). Community-dwelling adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) completed the FAS over Zoom. We analyzed the FAS using Rasch Measurement Theory, which produced the following outputs: item, and person fit, targeting, unidimensionality, person separation reliability (PSR), local item dependence (LID), principal component analysis of residuals (PCAR), and differential item functioning (DIF).

Results

We recruited 567 participants (average age 52.15 ± 17.5 years, 63.84% women), among which 14 adults with SCI. After rescoring 3 items and deleting 1 item, the FAS had good person and item fit (except item 4). The PCAR and subsequent paired t-tests (3.53%) confirmed the unidimensionality of the scale. There was no DIF and only one item pair had LID (item 5-6). PSR was 0.75, reflecting a capacity to differentiate groups of people with high or low functionality appreciation levels. However, there was a significant ceiling effect (28.04%) and the person mean location was 3.06 ± 2.07 logits, indicating the FAS is too easy for community-dwelling adults in the US.

Discussion

The 6-item Rasch-based FAS demonstrated unidimensionality, good item fit (except item 4) and person fit, but the FAS will require more difficult items to be added to improve the targeting of the scale, and better reliability.

The Chinese version of the Functionality Appreciation Scale: Psychometric properties and measurement invariance across gender and age

BACKGROUND

Functionality appreciation, as an important aspect of positive image, is associated with fewer body image disturbances, fewer disordered eating behaviors, and improved psychological well-being. However, it has been under-researched in Asian countries. The current work aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) among four Chinese samples of different ages, and further examine measurement invariance and differences of the FAS across gender and age groups.

METHODS

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted to examine the factorial structure of the FAS among four Chinese samples of different ages, including middle school adolescents (n = 894, M_age = 12.17 years), high school adolescents (n = 1347, M_age = 15.07 years), young adults (n = 473, M_age = 21.95 years), and older adults (n = 313, M_age = 67.90 years). The measurement invariance of the FAS across gender and age was examined. Internal consistency reliability and construct validity were evaluated.

RESULTS

The FAS had a unidimensional structure and was invariant across gender and age groups. The FAS presented sound psychometric properties in all age groups by gender, with good internal consistency reliability [e.g., high Cronbach's α values (.91 ~ .97)] and good construct validity (e.g., significant associations with body appreciation, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating). Moreover, group comparisons showed minimal gender differences in functionality appreciation. However, significant age differences were found in functionality appreciation, with older ages generally associated with higher functionality appreciation.

CONCLUSION

Overall, findings suggest that the FAS is a sound instrument to be used in the Chinese context. Furthermore, functionality appreciation was found to be higher in older adults than adolescents or young adults, suggesting the potential important role of aging in functionality appreciation.

Psychometric properties of a Romanian translation of the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS): An examination using bifactor exploratory structural equation modelling

The Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS; Henderson-King & Henderson-King, 2005) is a widely used measure for the assessment of attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. Here, we examined the psychometrics of a novel Romanian translation of the ACSS. A total of 1275 Romanian adults (889 women, 386 men) completed the ACSS alongside additional, related measures. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with a first split-half subsample supported extraction of the original 3-factor model consisting of Intrapersonal, Social, and Consider dimensions. In a second split-half subsample, we found that a 3-factor bifactor exploratory structural equation model (B-ESEM) had superior fit compared to all alternative models that were tested. This B-ESEM representation had well-defined G-factor with adequate composite reliability, and its S-factors were also generally well-defined. Across subsamples, the optimal model showed strong or partial strong invariance across gender, with women having significantly higher latent means on the Consider factor relative to men. Evidence of convergent validity was also generally good in women, especially for the G-factor of the ACSS, but was attenuated in men. Overall, these findings indicate that the Romanian version of the ACSS has adequate psychometric properties. We also encourage scholars to consider B-ESEM representations of the ACSS in other national settings.

Functionality appreciation and its correlates: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Functionality appreciation is a component of positive body image that refers to respecting and honoring the body for what it is capable of doing. A growing number of studies have investigated the features, correlates, and outcomes of functionality appreciation, yet a synthesis of this literature is missing. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of research on functionality appreciation. Fifty-six studies were included (85 % cross-sectional). Random effects meta-analyses were performed on 21 cross-sectional correlates and on seven randomized trials of psychological interventions that assessed functionality appreciation as an outcome. Meta-analyses showed that functionality appreciation was consistently associated with fewer body image problems, lower levels of eating disorder symptoms, and better mental health and wellbeing. Functionality appreciation was unrelated to age and gender, but weakly (and negatively) related to body mass index. Preliminary evidence from prospective designs suggests that the appreciation of body functionality may promote adaptive eating patterns and prevent maladaptive eating and body image patterns over time. Psychological interventions designed to cultivate functionality appreciation in full or in part produced greater improvements in this construct than control conditions. Findings confirm that functionality appreciation is associated with numerous wellbeing constructs and could serve as a potentially useful target for intervention.

Psychometric properties of a Greek translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) in adults from the Republic of Cyprus

The Functionality Appreciation Scale is a widely used instrument for the measurement of an individual's appreciation of their body for what it can do and is capable of doing (i.e., functionality appreciation). In the present study, we examined the psychometric properties of a novel Greek translation of the FAS in Cypriot adults. A total of 448 women and 345 men from the Republic of Cyprus completed the FAS, as well as validated measures of body appreciation, appearance evaluation, and symptoms of disordered eating, and self-esteem. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a unidimensional model of FAS scores, with all 7 items retained. Scores achieved scalar invariance across gender, with the gender difference in FAS scores not reaching significance. FAS scores were also found to have adequate composite reliability and convergent (significant associations with body appreciation, appearance evaluation, and symptoms of disordered eating) and concurrent validity (significant associations with self-esteem). Finally, functionality appreciation predicted self-esteem once the effects of all other variables had been accounted for, supporting incremental validity. Overall, these results suggest that the Greek FAS is a psychometrically valid tool for the assessment of functionality appreciation in adults from Cyprus.

Enriching sociocultural perspectives on the effects of idealized body norms: Integrating shame, positive body image, and self-compassion

Body image is an integral aspect of the psychology of the self. Idealized body images are ubiquitous in both traditional media forms (e.g., magazines, television) and social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). The classic sociocultural model of body image (i.e., the Tripartite Influence Model) emphasizes pathways between idealized body norms, appearance comparisons, internalization of body ideals, and body dissatisfaction and its outcomes. We summarize the model and identify some issues to be addressed in future work, particularly in light of the immense popularity of social media. We review three topics that are not included in the sociocultural model but that provide a more complete picture of the influence of societal body norms on body image: (1) body shame, (2) positive body image, and (3) self-compassion. Research on the nature, assessment, and relevance of these constructs is reviewed in detail. In terms of clinical applications of these areas of research for individuals at risk of body dissatisfaction, we suggest assessing for and targeting body shame, cultivating facets of positive body image, and teaching strategies for developing self-compassion.

Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) in Lebanese adults

The Functionality Appreciation Scale is a widely used instrument for the measurement of an individual's appreciation of their body for what it can do and is capable of doing (i.e., functionality appreciation). Here, we examined the psychometric properties of a novel Arabic translation of the FAS. A sample of 826 Lebanese adults completed the FAS, as well as previously validated measures of body appreciation, disordered eating attitudes, orthorexia, and self-esteem. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a unidimensional model of FAS scores, with all 7 items retained. Scores achieved scalar invariance across gender, with women reporting significantly greater functionality appreciation than men. FAS scores were found to have adequate composite reliability and adequate patterns of convergent and criterion-related validity. Additionally, functionality appreciation predicted self-esteem once the effects of all other variables had been accounted for, supporting incremental validity. Overall, these results suggest that the Arabic FAS is a psychometrically valid tool for the assessment of functionality appreciation. The availability of the Arabic FAS should facilitate improved understanding of the effectiveness of existing interventions designed to promote greater physical activity in the Lebanese context.

Psychometric properties of a Farsi translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) in Iranian adolescents

The 7-item Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS; Alleva et al., 2017) measures an individual's appreciation of their body for what it can do and is capable of doing (i.e., functionality appreciation). However, few studies have assessed the psychometric properties of the FAS in non-English speaking populations and in younger age groups. Here, we examined the psychometric properties of a novel Farsi translation of the FAS in Iranian adolescent girls and boys. A sample of 828 Iranian adolescents completed the FAS alongside the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Participants were randomly split into a first split-half for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) or a second split-half for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA broadly supported a 1-dimensional model of FAS scores, although one item had low item-factor loadings. The CFA indicated that both the 6- and 7-item models had adequate fit. In further analyses, we found that the 7-item unidimensional model was invariant across gender and that higher FAS scores were significantly associated with higher self-esteem and lower depressive symptoms, indicative of convergent validity. These results provide evidence that the Farsi translation of the FAS is reliable and valid for use in Iranian adolescent girls and boys.

Measurement invariance and psychometric properties of three positive body image measures among cisgender sexual minority and heterosexual women

Positive body image is a multidimensional construct consisting of various facets including body appreciation, body image flexibility, and functionality appreciation measured via the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-5 (BI-AAQ-5), and Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS), respectively. Research has supported the unidimensional factor structure of these measures; however, invariance testing based on sexual identity has yet to be conducted. The study's primary aim was to assess the measurement invariance of the BAS-2, BI-AAQ-5, and FAS between sexual minority and heterosexual women. The secondary aim was to assess the psychometric properties of each positive body image measure among each sample. Participants were predominantly White, cisgender women who identified as a sexual minority (n = 310) or heterosexual (n = 360) and completed online questionnaires of positive body image, eating behaviors, and mental and physical health. Results supported invariance with no differences in BAS-2 or BI-AAQ-5 scores. A significant difference with a small effect size was found in FAS scores, with sexual minority women reporting lower FAS scores. Findings supported the BI-AAQ-5 and FAS's incremental validity on perceived mental health. Overall, results suggest that the BAS-2, BI-AAQ-5, and FAS scores can be compared among women of varying sexual identities.

Psychometric validation of the Japanese version of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS)

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS; Alleva et al., 2017) is a widely adopted measure to assess appreciation for one's body and its capacity. In this study, we performed a psychometric validation of the Japanese translation of the FAS. Participants included an online sample of 750 Japanese individuals (20-70 years old), who completed the FAS and other previously validated measures of body appreciation, intuitive eating, gratitude, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Moreover, the survey was conducted twice, 3 weeks apart, to determine test-retest reliability. Exploratory factor analyses replicated the unidimensional factor structure of the FAS, which was also verified by the confirmatory factor analysis. FAS scores had gender invariance, and demonstrated good internal consistency and test-retest reliability over the 3-week period. In addition, further analyzes indicated adequate construct, and incremental validity. These findings indicate that the Japanese version of FAS demonstrates good psychometric properties, and can be used to examine the importance of functionality appreciation for enhancing positive body image and healthy eating.

Psychometric properties of an Italian translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS)

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS; Alleva et al., 2017) is a widely used instrument for the measurement of individual's appreciation of their body for what it can do and is capable of doing (i.e., functionality appreciation). Here, we examined the psychometric properties of a novel Italian translation of the FAS. A sample of 950 Italian adults completed the FAS, as well as previously validated measures of body image (body appreciation, body esteem, body surveillance), disordered eating symptoms, and psychological well-being (self-esteem, general distress). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a 1-dimensional model of FAS scores, with all 7 items retained. Scores achieved scalar invariance across gender, and the gender difference in latent FAS scores was not significant. FAS scores were found to have adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability up to three weeks, and convergent and criterion-related validity through significant correlations with all additional constructs. However, evidence of incremental validity was weak, and likely reflected high nomological and conceptual similarity between functionality and body appreciation in this national context. Overall, these results provide strong evidence that scores on the Italian FAS are psychometrically valid, which may aid future development of interventions to promote more positive body image in Italian-speaking samples.