Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2): measurement invariance across genders and item response theory examination

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.

Prevalence and Determinants of Plastic Surgery Among Adults in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Social and cultural factors have a significant impact on body image standards, and the media's messages play a crucial role in shaping beauty ideals. People's perceptions of beauty can be negatively affected by social media, which promotes unrealistic beauty standards and can lead to a desire for plastic surgery. Plastic surgery includes both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures and has become increasingly popular worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, there has been a significant increase in the number of women seeking cosmetic surgery, particularly breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction, indicating that cosmetic surgery is becoming more accepted as a way to enhance beauty.

AIMS

To investigate the frequency of performance of plastic and aesthetic surgical procedures among adults aged 18 to 60 years old in Saudi Arabia, as well as the determinants that may contribute to it.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional web survey with a representative sample (n = 3238) of individuals in Saudi Arabia was carried out from 10 April 2023 to 28 October 2023.

RESULTS

The study included a cohort of 3238 participants, with 1328 individuals choosing to undergo plastic surgery. Among the surgical subgroups, the predominant procedure of choice was breast augmentation, representing 1009 cases (31.2%), while a minority opted for alternative plastic surgical interventions. Notably, the primary impetus behind plastic surgery, as indicated by the majority of participants (38.4% of the overall 41% who underwent the procedure), was appearance enhancement. Examination of the participants' demographic profile revealed a predominance of women between the ages of 18 and 30, married individuals, predominantly having a primary level of education, with a subset working in the public sector. Furthermore, a considerable segment of participants (32.6%) indicated low income, while 31.8% fell into the category of obesity.

CONCLUSION

To address the multifaceted nature of plastic surgery decisions in Saudi Arabia, the key focus should be on promoting cultural acceptance, creating a supportive environment, and establishing ethical guidelines. This entails conducting awareness campaigns, promoting inclusive beauty standards, facilitating community discussions, fostering collaboration with support organizations, integrating mental health services, and ensuring rigorous monitoring of safety and professionalism in plastic surgery practices. By implementing these recommendations, individuals seeking plastic surgery can enhance their overall well-being and satisfaction.

A qualitative exploration of positive body image experiences among nonbinary individuals

One group whose positive body image experiences remain under-explored is individuals who identify as nonbinary, gender fluid, and/or genderqueer (including other nonbinary identities). Thus, we sought to answer the questions: What does it look like to have a positive body image for a nonbinary person? and How do nonbinary persons form and maintain a positive body image? To answer these questions, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 nonbinary individuals who were assessed as having positive body image using the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015a). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified as characterizing the core features of positive body image among nonbinary persons: body appreciation, body- and self-acceptance, bodily appearance embodied their authentic self, and holding flexible ideals for ways of being. Six themes were identified as related to on-going processes that explain how body image is formed and maintained among nonbinary persons: reframing negative body image information, staging resistance, experiencing representation, receiving and giving social support, practicing self-compassion and self-care, and using dress to create a satisfying presentation of self. In keeping with the tenets of queer theory, findings reflected how gender identity set a context for participants' positive body image experiences.

Body appreciation around the world: Measurement invariance of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age

The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a widely used measure of a core facet of the positive body image construct. However, extant research concerning measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across a large number of nations remains limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset - with data collected between 2020 and 2022 - to assess measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated that full scalar invariance was upheld across all nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups, suggesting that the unidimensional BAS-2 model has widespread applicability. There were large differences across nations and languages in latent body appreciation, while differences across gender identities and age groups were negligible-to-small. Additionally, greater body appreciation was significantly associated with higher life satisfaction, being single (versus being married or in a committed relationship), and greater rurality (versus urbanicity). Across a subset of nations where nation-level data were available, greater body appreciation was also significantly associated with greater cultural distance from the United States and greater relative income inequality. These findings suggest that the BAS-2 likely captures a near-universal conceptualisation of the body appreciation construct, which should facilitate further cross-cultural research.

Eating Disorder Attitudes and Body Self-Image of Urban Mediterranean Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Early detection tools for eating disorders play an essential role in their prevention. The aim of this study was to analyze different variables associated with the risk of eating disorders and their relation to anthropometric parameters, nutritional status and body self-image.

METHODS

The Eating Disorder Invetory-3 Referral Form (EDI-3 RF) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) were administered to 809 adolescents (413 boys and 396 girls), aged 11 to 17 years, from three randomly chosen schools in a big Mediterranean city. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standardized methods. Overweight and obesity were determined according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF).

RESULTS

Overweight (23%) prevailed over obesity (9.37%). Girls registered a higher score in the Obsession for Thinness EDI-3 RF subscale and in the body dissatisfaction section of the BSQ. The only statistically significant differences in the Obsession for Thinness and Body Dissatisfaction levels among the different ages were seen in boys. In this series, body dissatisfaction assessed by the EDI-3 RF was not correlated with BSQ body dissatisfaction. Sex and age in adolescence determine the relationship between eating disorder attitudes and body shape dissatisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary to look for other parameters to investigate to determine body dissatisfaction.

Further evaluation of the psychometric properties of the German version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2): Cross-validation, measurement invariance, and population-based norms

Using a representative sample of the German general population (N = 2509, 16-74 years), this work aimed to cross-validate the modified one-factor model recently reported for the German Body Appreciation Scale 2 (BAS-2). We also examined measurement invariance across gender, tested differential item functioning across age and BMI, systematically evaluated subgroup differences, and provided norms according to subgroups. Overall, the BAS-2 demonstrates good internal consistency. Cross-validation supported the generalizability of the modified one-factor model. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses supported full scalar invariance across gender; comparisons revealed higher scores among men compared to women with a small effect size. Age (only women) and BMI (both genders) significantly predicted latent BAS-2 scores. Of note, differential item functioning for age and BMI was observed. Concerning manifest group differences, we found a significant main effect of weight status: Individuals with obesity reported the lowest body appreciation levels, while individuals with underweight/ normal weight reported highest levels. Our findings suggest that the German BAS-2 has good psychometric properties and is suitable for examining body appreciation across gender among German women and men. Moreover, norm values enable future usage of the scale in health and clinical research by providing reference data for interpretation.

Suicidal behaviors in the entertainment industry: a preliminary exploration of the interplay between work scheduling, social support, and wellbeing in Australia

OBJECTIVE

Workers of the Australian entertainment industry exhibit disproportionately high rates of impaired psychological wellbeing and suicidal behaviors, with such rates being exacerbated by the negative impact of working long and odd hours (Work Scheduling Impact; WSI). Nonetheless, stable and secure social support networks may buffer the risks associated with such systemic difficulties.

METHODS

The responses of 1302 Australian entertainment industry workers (50.3% females, M_age 38.39 years) on the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Short Form Health Survey, WSI, and suicidal behaviors questions were examined via moderation analyses.

RESULTS

Higher social support and lower WSI appeared to reduce the suicidal ideation of those experiencing poorer mental health, while lower WSI further enhanced social support's positive effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the likely detrimental effect of WSI regarding the suicidal ideation reported by vulnerable Australian entertainment industry workers and stress the importance of the social support they experience.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Interventions attempting to increase social support could improve inherent conditions associated with the Australian entertainment industry. Similarly, the negative effect of working long and odd hours on workers' mental health and suicidal behaviors indicates the need to regulate the industry appropriately.

The Online Flow Questionnaire: An Item Response Theory Examination

Online flow refers to the rate of an individual's absorbance in an Internet activity in which they are engaged. It has been implicated with both the effectiveness of cyberhealth and online education applications, as well as excessive Internet use. One way of assessing it is the Online Flow Questionnaire (OFQ). Consequently, this study investigated the optimum measurement of online flow, as well as OFQ cutoff points, using Item Response Theory (IRT). A large sample of high school students from Greece (N = 1579, M_age = 16.12, SD_age = 0.85; 50.5 percent females) completed the OFQ and the data were analyzed using IRT procedures. The analysis indicated that items in the OFQ possess differing levels of discrimination and difficulty, although all items were generally within acceptable ranges. An OFQ cutoff score of 5 represented an extremely high level of online flow experiences. The findings suggest that the OFQ generally functions as an acceptable marker of overall online flow. However, the current format of the OFQ appears to inhibit its ability to detect variability at the extreme low and high ends of the latent trait in the population assessed. Future revisions (potentially employing computerized adaptive tests) of the OFQ response format may enhance its utility.

Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q): An item r'esponse theory examination

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Gambling disorder behaviours differ in their diagnostic weight/importance.

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OGD-Q reliably differentiates between individuals at different trait levels.

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Salience is indicated as the most representative symptom of problematic gambling.

Gambling disorder behaviours, such as one’s preoccupation with gambling and/or mood modification due to gambling, have been proposed to differ in their diagnostic weight/importance, especially when informing diagnostic scales. Such potential differences are imperative to be considered to improve assessment accuracy. The latter is particularly important in the light of the rapidly increasing gambling opportunities offered online. To contribute to this area of knowledge, the current study assessed an online adult community sample (N = 968, M_age = 29.5 years, SD_age = 9.36 years) regarding their responses on the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q). Item response theory (IRT) procedures examined the psychometric properties of the instrument, at both the item and the scale level. Results indicated that the OGD-Q demonstrated good capacity to reliably assess problem gambling and differentiate between individuals at similar levels of the trait, particularly between 1 and 3 SDs above the mean. The findings also showed OGD-Q components/items possess varying discrimination capacities, whilst they also differ in reliability across respondents with different levels of disordered gambling behaviours. Thus, it is supported that consideration is required regarding the differential weighting of one’s item responses in the assessment procedure, taking concurrently into account their severity of disordered gambling behaviours.

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.

Portuguese version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 for Children (BAS-2C): Psychometric evaluation and measurement of invariance across sex

Body appreciation, a central aspect of positive body image, recently started to capture the attention of the scientific community as a potential determinant of well-being. However, little is known about onset and early identification in both males and females, as studies on this subject in childhood are still scarce, due in part to a dearth of validated instruments. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties and sex invariance of a Portuguese version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 for Children (BAS-2C; Halliwell et al., 2017). We also explored the relationship between the BAS-2C and body mass index z-scores (BMIz). Participants were 328 children, ages 9-to-11 years (50.9% girls). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the one-dimensional factor structure had adequate fit, but sex invariance was not supported. Differential item functioning analysis revealed that boys and girls respond differently to item #9, which assesses body comfort. BAS-2C scores evidenced internal consistency and convergent validity with quality of life, healthy eating habits, and body size dissatisfaction. BMIz showed a low ability to predict body appreciation. This study brings support for the use of the BAS-2C in Portuguese-speaking children, but caution is warranted in comparing BAS-2C scores across sexes.

Problematic Shopping Behavior: An Item Response Theory Examination of the Seven-Item Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale

There has been an increasing amount of research examining problematic shopping behavior (PSB), often referred to in the psychological literature as "compulsive buying" or "shopping addiction." A popular scale for assessing the risk of PSB is the seven-item Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale (BSAS). To expand our knowledge of the psychometric properties of this instrument, the present study employed Item Response Theory (IRT) and differential item functioning analyses (DIF) while concurrently attempting to determine a preliminary cut-off point. A relatively large community sample completed the BSAS online (N = 968, M age = 29.5 years, SD age = 9.36, 32.5% women). IRT analyses showed differences regarding the BSAS items' discrimination, difficulty, and precision, with a raw score exceeding 23 (out of 28) indicating a higher risk of shopping addiction. Finally, while most BSAS items operated equally among males and females, Item 2 (mood modification) required a higher level of shopping addiction behaviors to be endorsed by males. The BSAS functions as a reliable assessment of the risk of shopping addiction, particularly between average and high levels of the trait. Clinical implications are discussed in light of these findings.

Application of Item Response Theory (IRT)-Graded Response Model (GRM) to Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Scale

The scale of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE) assesses the perceptions about entrepreneurial ecosystem domains, finances, capital finances, support, support professions, policies, markets, human resources, and culture. The scales are always error-prone—these scales must possess properties that enable them it to provide maximum information and validity reliability. Convenient sampling data from (n = 474) founders, co-founders, and entrepreneurs were collected. The IRT-GRM model is used to validate and test the instrument-based on polytomous scales. IRT yields discriminating power—the level of difficulty of the items of the scale. The scale consists of 48 items. The item Pol5 (4.13) was found to have the highest discriminating value (4.13), the item mar5 had the lowest discriminating value (1.57), and all items had discriminating values greater than the threshold value of 0.60. The EE Scale showed good reliability based on McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha (0.80 and 0.88). The parallel and factor analysis showed good agreement of the one-dimesnionality of the scale. The model goodness of fit statistics based on the comparative fit index (CFI) and the Tucker–Lewis index, (TLI) and the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) showed a satisfactory level of fit; however, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSE) showed a poor fit. The item characteristic curves showed that the all item responses were properly ordered. The items of the scale showed a satisfactory level of discrimination power and level of difficulty, and it was found to have three levels of agreement about entrepreneurial ecosystem scale. It is concluded that the EE scale possesses good psychometric properties and that it is reliable and valid instrument to measure the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the given region.

Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS): measurement invariance across genders and item response theory examination

Background

The Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) is a measure of subjective well-being and assesses eudemonic and hedonic aspects of well-being. However, differential scoring of the WEMWBS across gender and its precision of measurement has not been examined. The present study assesses the psychometric properties of the WEMWBS using measurement invariance (MI) between males and females and item response theory (IRT) analyses.

Method

A community sample of 386 adults from the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada were assessed online (N = 394, 54.8% men, 43.1% women, M_age = 27.48, SD = 5.57).

Results

MI analyses observed invariance across males and females at the configural level and metric level but non-invariance at the scalar level. The graded response model (GRM) conducted to observe item properties indicated that all items demonstrated, although variable, sufficient discrimination capacity.

Conclusions

Gender comparisons based on WEMWBS scores should be cautiously interpreted for specific items that demonstrate different scalar scales and similar scores indicate different severity. The items showed increased reliability for latent levels of ∓ 2 SD from the mean level of SWB. The WEMWBS may also not perform well for clinically low and high levels of SWB. Including assessments for clinical cases may optimise the use of the WEMWBS.