Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 45 in total

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  1. Assessing the measurement invariance of two positive body image instruments in adults from Malaysia and the United Kingdom
    Todd J, Swami V
    Body Image, 2020 Sep;34:112-116.
    PMID: 32505865 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.05.009
    Despite the growth of positive body image research in recent years, our understanding of the construct across different national contexts remains limited. Here, we investigated measurement invariance of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) and the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) across ethnically homogenous groups of adults from Malaysia (n = 815, women n = 403) and the United Kingdom (UK; n = 596, women n = 416). Using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, partial scalar invariance was supported for scores on both measures after fixing the intercepts for BAS-2 Items 6 and 8, and FAS Item 4. Next, we examined differences in latent scores across nationality and gender. The results of an analysis of covariance (with age and body mass index as covariates) indicated a significant nationality by gender interaction: Malaysian women had higher scores than Malaysian men on both the BAS-2 and FAS, but UK men had higher scores than UK women. There were also significant main effects of nationality (Malaysian participants had significantly higher body appreciation and functionality appreciation than UK participants) and gender (men had significantly higher body appreciation than women). These findings are discussed in terms of cross-national and gendered understandings of positive body image.
  2. Rural-urban differences in body appreciation and associations with life satisfaction in adults from Sabah, Malaysia
    Swami V, Todd J
    Body Image, 2022 Dec;43:385-392.
    PMID: 36306557 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.10.007
    Studies of body appreciation have typically focused on measurement of the construct in urban populations and there remains very little research on body appreciation in rural communities. To fill this gap, the present study examined rural-urban differences in body appreciation in an adult Kadazan-Dusun sample from the state of Sabah in Malaysia. Participants from rural (n = 215) and urban (n = 219) locales in the West Coast administrative district of Sabah were asked to complete Malay versions of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and to provide their demographic details. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis evidenced both partial metric invariance (by allowing loadings for three items to vary) and partial scalar invariance (by freeing the intercept for one item) on the BAS-2. Between-group analyses indicated that rural participants had significantly greater body appreciation than urban participants overall. Additionally, urban men had significantly greater body appreciation than urban women, but there was no gender difference in the rural subsample. Finally, correlational analyses indicated that body appreciation was significantly associated with life satisfaction in both the rural and urban subsamples. The present results highlight the importance of further considering the phenomenology of body appreciation in rural communities.
  3. Translation and validation of body image instruments: An addendum to Swami and Barron (2019) in the form of frequently asked questions
    Swami V, Todd J, Barron D
    Body Image, 2021 Jun;37:214-224.
    PMID: 33725653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.03.002
    Test adaptation - the translation and validation of source instruments for use in new social identity groups - plays a vital role in body image research. Previously, Swami and Barron (2019) developed a set of good practice recommendations and reporting guidelines for the test adaptation of body image instruments. However, a number of issues in that article were not covered in depth and new issues have emerged as a result of developments in theory and practice. Here, we offer an addendum to Swami and Barron in the form of frequently asked questions. Issues discussed in this article include various methods for achieving good translations, the appropriateness of revising instrument components prior to empirical analyses, determining the number of factors to extract in exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and the usefulness of EFA versus confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) in determining factorial validity. We also cover methods of analyses that have been infrequently utilised by body image scholars, including exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM), bifactor model analyses, and various methods for establish measurement invariance. When read as an addendum to Swami and Barron, we hope this article helps to clarify issues of importance for body image researchers interested in conducting test adaptation work.
  4. Measuring positive breast experience: Development and psychometric evaluation of the Breast Appreciation Scale (BrAS)
    Swami V, Todd J, Tylka TL
    Body Image, 2022 Dec;43:275-291.
    PMID: 36206650 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.09.007
    Existing measures of women's breasted experiences have focused on negative experiences, which de-centres women's meaning-making and relationships with their breasts. To rectify this, we developed a novel measure of women's positive breasted experiences, the Breast Appreciation Scale (BrAS), and examined the psychometric properties of this novel measure across four studies. Study 1, with 307 United Kingdom women, led to the extraction of a 9-item, unidimensional model of BrAS scores that showed adequate composite reliability and 4-week test-retest reliability. Study 2, with 297 United Kingdom women, showed that the unidimensional model of BrAS scores had adequate fit and evidenced convergent, concurrent, discriminant, and incremental validity. Study 3, with 295 women from the United Kingdom, provided additional support for factorial validity and concurrent validity, and additionally provided evidence of known-groups validity insofar as mothers had greater breast appreciation than non-mothers. Study 4 showed that the BrAS was scalar invariant across women from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (N = 573) and provided additional evidence of concurrent validity. Based on these results, we conclude that the BrAS is a psychometrically valid measure of women's positive breasted experiences that can be utilised in future research.
  5. Fulltext Self-compassion mediates the relationship between COVID-19-related stress and body image disturbance: Evidence from the United Kingdom under lockdown
    Swami V, Todd J, Robinson C, Furnham A
    Pers Individ Dif, 2021 Dec;183:111130.
    PMID: 34931100 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111130
    The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and attendant lockdown mandates may have detrimental effects on body image outcomes, which in turn highlights the importance of identifying protective factors. Here, we examined associations between COVID-19-related stress and body image disturbance, as well as the potential mediating and moderating role of self-compassion. During the third lockdown in the United Kingdom, we asked an online sample of adults (N = 600) to complete measures of COVID-19-related stress, body image disturbance, and self-compassion. Mediation analysis showed that higher COVID-19-related stress was significantly associated with greater body image disturbance, and that this relationship was mediated by self-compassion. In contrast, self-compassion did not significantly moderate the effects of stress on body image disturbance. These results suggest that promoting greater self-compassion may be a viable means of mitigating adverse outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic on body image disturbance.
  6. Psychometric properties of a Greek translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) in adults from the Republic of Cyprus
    Anastasiades E, Todd J, Argyrides M, Swami V
    Body Image, 2023 Jun;45:25-33.
    PMID: 36764236 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.01.010
    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.
  7. "There's No Separating My View of My Body from My Autism": A qualitative study of positive body image in autistic individuals
    Longhurst P, Aspell J, Todd J, Swami V
    Body Image, 2024 Mar;48:101655.
    PMID: 38042087 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101655
    While scholars have investigated positive body image across diverse populations, extant theory largely excludes those with differing socio-cognitive experiences, such as autistic individuals. Using constructivist grounded theory, this study sought to develop a grounded theory of positive body image in autistic individuals. One-to-one interviews with photo-elicitation were conducted with 20 autistic adults (7 women, 8 men, 5 non-binary/agender; aged 18-53 years) from the United Kingdom. Through a process of open, axial, and focused coding, a grounded theory was developed around a core category of positive body image in autistic adults and was found to comprise six themes: body connection, body acceptance, appreciating body functionality and neurodivergent strengths, having a body-positive protective filter, taking care of the body, and body and appearance neutrality. Our findings suggest that some aspects of positive body image in autistic individuals are consistent with those found in neurotypical adults. However, positive body image in autistic individuals further encompasses both the sensory (i.e., how the body is felt) and aesthetic (i.e., how the body is seen) body. These findings may stimulate research aimed at improving positive body image in autistic populations.
  8. Fulltext Validation of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-2) questionnaire in hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder
    Eggart M, Todd J, Valdés-Stauber J
    PLoS One, 2021;16(6):e0253913.
    PMID: 34170963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253913
    OBJECTIVES: Interoception refers to the sensation, interpretation, and integration of internal somatic signals. Abnormalities in self-reported interoception are prevalent features of major depressive disorder (MDD) and may affect treatment outcomes. In the present study, we investigated the psychometric properties of the revised eight-dimensional and 37-item Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness questionnaire (the MAIA-2) in a severely depressed sample, after translating two updated scales (Not-Distracting, Not-Worrying) into German. Specifically, we examined the measure's internal consistency reliability, sensitivity to change, and minimal important differences (MID) with a focus on patient's antidepressive responses to treatment.

    METHODS: The study enrolled 110 participants (age: M = 46.85, SD = 11.23; female: 55.45%) undergoing hospital treatment, of whom 87 were included in the pre-post analysis. Participants completed a German translation of MAIA-2 and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (pre-/post-treatment). Internal consistency reliability was determined by Cronbach's α/McDonalds's ω, sensitivity to change was determined by effect sizes, and MIDs were determined by distribution- (0.5*SD) and anchor-based approaches (mean change method; ROC curve cut-points).

    RESULTS: Depression severity reduced over the course of treatment (Median = -65.22%), and 34.48% of patients achieved remission. Reliability was appropriate for post-treatment (range of ω: .70-.90), but questionable for two pre-treatment scales (Noticing: ω = .64; Not-Distracting: ω = .66). The eight dimensions of MAIA-2 were sensitive to change (standardized response mean: .32-.81; Cohen's effect size: .30-.92). Distribution-based MIDs (.38-.61) and anchor-based mean change MIDs (remission vs. partial response: .00-.85; partial response vs. nonresponse: .08-.88) were established on the group level. For six scales, ROC cut-points (remission: .00-1.33; response: -.20-1.00) demonstrated accurate classification to treatment response groups on the individual level.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the applicability of the MAIA-2 questionnaire in MDD. The updated version may have led to reliability improvements regarding the revised scales, but subthreshold reliability was evident prior to treatment. The measure's dimensions were sensitive to change. MIDs were established that corresponded with antidepressive treatment outcomes. Our findings are consistent with a growing area of research which considers somatic feelings as key contributors to mental health.

  9. The Body Acceptance by Others Scale: An assessment of its factorial validity in adults from the United Kingdom
    Swami V, Todd J, Stieger S, Tylka TL
    Body Image, 2020 Dec;35:71-74.
    PMID: 32947248 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.08.006
    The construct of body acceptance by others (i.e., the degree to which an individual perceives acceptance for their appearance by others) is central to conceptual models of positive body image and adaptive eating styles. It is typically measured using the 10-item Body Acceptance by Others Scale (BAOS; Avalos & Tylka, 2006), but emerging research has suggested that a unidimensional model of BAOS scores may be unstable. Here, we examined the factor structure of BAOS scores in a sample of adults from the United Kingdom (N = 1148). Exploratory factor analyses indicated that BAOS scores reduced to two dimensions in women, of which only a primary 6-item factor was stable. In men, all 10 items loaded onto a primary factor. However, the results of confirmatory factor analyses indicated that both models of BAOS scores had poor fit. Although both the unidimensional 10-item and 6-item models had adequate internal consistency, our results are suggestive of factor structure instability. We conclude by suggesting ways in which future research could revise the BAOS to improve its factorial stability and validity.
  10. Psychometric properties of an Italian translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS)
    Cerea S, Todd J, Ghisi M, Mancin P, Swami V
    Body Image, 2021 Sep;38:210-218.
    PMID: 33962221 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.04.007
    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.
  11. An exploration of the associations between facets of interoceptive awareness and body image in adolescents
    Todd J, Aspell JE, Barron D, Swami V
    Body Image, 2019 Dec;31:171-180.
    PMID: 31654981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.10.004
    Previous research suggests that lower interoceptive awareness is associated with more negative body image during adolescence. However, studies have not distinguished between adaptive and maladaptive modes of attention toward interoceptive signals, and relationships between interoceptive awareness and positive body image remain unexplored. To address these issues, a sample of 265 British adolescents (140 girls, 125 boys) aged 13-16 years completed measures of interoceptive awareness, body appreciation, functionality appreciation, body pride, body shame, and body surveillance. Correlational analyses broadly indicated that greater interoceptive awareness was significantly associated with more positive body image. Multiple regressions revealed significant predictive relationships between interoceptive awareness and all facets of body image in both girls and boys, except body surveillance, which was not statistically significant for girls. At the univariate level, the interoceptive awareness facets of Attention Regulation, Body Listening, Self-Regulation, and Trusting emerged as significant predictors for at least one facet of positive body image, whilst the Noticing and Emotional Awareness facets did not. These findings broadly align with previous research with adults, which has indicated that the way interoceptive stimuli are appraised and responded to might be more closely associated with facets of body image than the tendency to notice interoceptive stimuli.
  12. Multiple dimensions of interoceptive awareness are associated with facets of body image in British adults
    Todd J, Aspell JE, Barron D, Swami V
    Body Image, 2019 Jun;29:6-16.
    PMID: 30771695 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.02.003
    Previous research has identified a relationship between interoception and body image, where lower interoceptive awareness (IA) is associated with negative body image. However, relationships between facets of interoception and positive body image remain unexplored, and men and older adults remain underrepresented. To overcome these limitations, we assessed relationships between multiple dimensions of interoceptive awareness (IA) and multiple facets of body image in community adults. An online sample of 646 British adults (447 women) aged 18-76 years completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), the Body Appreciation Scale-2, the Functionality Appreciation Scale, the Authentic Pride subscale from the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale, and the Appearance Orientation and Overweight Preoccupation subscales from the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire. Hierarchical regressions revealed significant predictive relationships between IA and all five facets of body image after controlling for sex, body mass index, and age. In the final models, the MAIA subscales emerged as significant predictors for at least one facet of body image, with the exception of the MAIA Body Listening subscale. These findings extend previous work by demonstrating significant relationships between IA and previously unexplored facets of body image, which may hold promise for practitioner-based interventions.
  13. Weaker implicit interoception is associated with more negative body image: Evidence from gastric-alpha phase amplitude coupling and the heartbeat evoked potential
    Todd J, Cardellicchio P, Swami V, Cardini F, Aspell JE
    Cortex, 2021 10;143:254-266.
    PMID: 34482968 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.07.006
    Interoception refers to the processing of internal bodily stimuli, while body image refers to appearance-related perceptions, affect, and cognitions. Previous research has found that body image is associated with self-reported and behavioural indices of interoception. Here, we extended this research by examining associations between measures of positive (i.e., body appreciation, functionality appreciation) and negative body image (i.e., body shame, weight preoccupation) and two electrophysiological indices of interoceptive processing, namely the heartbeat evoked potential (HEP) and gastric-alpha phase-amplitude coupling (PAC), in a sample of 36 adults. Significant negative associations were identified between the indices of negative body image and the interoception variables. Specifically, more negative HEP amplitude and lower gastric-alpha PAC were both associated with greater body shame and weight preoccupation. However, no significant associations were identified for the indices of positive body image. These findings extend previous work by demonstrating that there are significant associations between negative body image and previously unexplored components of cardiac and gastric interoception. This, in turn, could have important clinical applications, such as the HEP and gastric-alpha PAC both serving as biomarkers of negative body image.
  14. Associations between weight status, body satisfaction, ethnic identity and self-esteem in Oceanian adolescents
    Frayon S, Swami V, Wattelez G, Todd J, Galy O
    Pediatr Obes, 2021 12;16(12):e12824.
    PMID: 34184838 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12824
    BACKGROUND: Self-esteem has consistently been observed to be relatively low in adolescents with obesity. In the Pacific region, the prevalence of obesity in adolescence is high, but few studies have considered issues of self-esteem in this population.

    OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between weight status, body dissatisfaction and self-esteem in a sample of New Caledonian adolescents and to test for moderation effects of ethnicity on predictors of self-esteem.

    METHODS: Objective anthropometric measures (height, weight, waist circumference and thickness of skinfolds) were obtained in a multi-ethnic sample of New Caledonian adolescents. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio and the sum of four skinfolds thickness were used as proxies of weight status. Indices of ethnic identity, self-esteem, socio-demographic data (socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, urbanicity of residence) and body dissatisfaction were obtained using survey methods.

    RESULTS: Between-group analyses indicated that adolescents of European/white origin had significantly higher self-esteem than adolescents with Oceanian Non-European Non-Asian ancestry (ONENA). However, low self-esteem was significantly associated with weight status and body dissatisfactions in European/white adolescents but not ONENA adolescents. Ethnicity moderated the relationships of predictors (BMI z-score, body dissatisfaction, age, urbanicity and ethnic identity) on self-esteem, and the strongest predictors of self-esteem were ethnicity and ethnic identity.

    CONCLUSIONS: While self-esteem has important consequences for adolescent well-being and health outcomes, these results highlight the importance of applying different steps to develop and maintain healthy self-esteem in the Pacific region.

  15. Fulltext Nature exposure and positive body image: (Re-)examining the mediating roles of connectedness to nature and trait mindfulness
    Swami V, Barron D, Todd J, Horne G, Furnham A
    Body Image, 2020 Sep;34:201-208.
    PMID: 32604023 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.06.004
    Previous studies have reported a significant association between nature exposure and positive body image, but understandings of the mechanisms that help to explain this link remain nascent. Here, we considered the extent to which trait mindfulness and connectedness to nature, respectively, mediate the aforementioned relationship both in parallel and serially. An online sample of 398 participants (199 women, 196 men, 3 other; age M = 28.1 years) from the United Kingdom completed measures of self-reported nature exposure, mindful awareness and acceptance, connectedness to nature, and body appreciation. Results indicated that inter-correlations between scores on all measures were significant and positive. Following the elimination of non-significant pathways, path analysis resulted in an adequately-fitting model in which the direct relationship between nature exposure and body appreciation was significant. In addition, connectedness to nature - but not trait mindfulness - significantly mediated the direct relationship. Finally, we also found evidence of a serial mediation, where the association between nature exposure and body appreciation was mediated by mindful awareness followed by connectedness to nature. The implications of these results for scholarly and practitioner understanding of the impact of nature exposure on positive body image are discussed in conclusion.
  16. Psychometric evaluation of a revised version of the body appreciation scale-2 for autistic adults (BAS-2A)
    Longhurst P, Todd J, Aspell JE, Swami V
    Body Image, 2024 Mar 28;49:101706.
    PMID: 38552369 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101706
    Emerging evidence points to unique conceptualisations of positive body image in autistic individuals. However, there are no existing measures of positive body image that have been developed or validated for use with autistic adults. To rectify this, we developed a revised version of the BAS-2 - the BAS-2A - and examined its factorial validity and psychometric properties in a sample of autistic adults from the United Kingdom. Based on the results of exploratory factor analysis and scale purification, we extracted a 12-item, unidimensional model of BAS-2A scores in a first split-subsample (n = 273). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional model of BAS-2A scores in a second split-subsample (n = 277). BAS-2A scores presented adequate composite reliability, measurement invariance across gender identity, and patterns of construct validity. For both women and men, BAS-2A scores correlated positively with self-esteem, well-being, quality of life, and adaptive coping, and inversely with dietary restraint, weight/shape overvaluation, body dissatisfaction, and depression. Finally, BAS-2A scores demonstrated incremental validity, predicting self-esteem over-and-above body dissatisfaction. However, temporal stability of the BAS-2A over three weeks was not supported. These results support the BAS-2A as a psychometrically robust measure of body appreciation for use in autistic adults from the United Kingdom.
  17. Fulltext Reading between the vines: Hosts as islands for extreme holoparasitic plants
    Barkman TJ, Klooster MR, Gaddis KD, Franzone B, Calhoun S, Manickam S, et al.
    Am J Bot, 2017 09;104(9):1382-1389.
    PMID: 29885244 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1700117
    PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Partitioning of population genetic variation in plants may be affected by numerous factors including life history and dispersal characteristics. In parasitic plants, interactions with host populations may be an additional factor influencing partitioning. To test for hierarchical population genetic patterns related to obligate endoparasitism, we studied three species of Rafflesiaceae, which grow as extremely reduced endophytes infecting Tetrastigma vines in Southeast Asia.

    METHODS: Microsatellite markers were developed and multilocus genotypes were determined for Rafflesia cantleyi, Rafflesia tuan-mudae, and Sapria himalayana and each of their Tetrastigma hosts. Relatedness among parasite individuals was estimated, and AMOVAs were used to determine levels of population genetic subdivision.

    KEY RESULTS: Microsatellite genotypes for 340 paired parasite and host samples revealed that host vines were infected by numerous Rafflesiaceae individuals that may spread for up to 14 m within stem tissues. Surprisingly, Rafflesiaceae parasites within a given host are significantly more closely related to each other than individuals of the same species in other host individuals. The pattern of hierarchical population genetic subdivision we detected across species is likely due to limited seed dispersal with reinfection of natal host vines.

    CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate common population genetic patterns between animal and plant parasites, potentially indicating advantages of close relatives infecting hosts. This study also has important conservation implications for Rafflesiaceae since our data suggest that destruction of a single infected host vine could result in large genetic losses.

  18. Translation and validation of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) version of the Functionality Appreciation Scale
    Swami V, Todd J, Aspell JE, Mohd Khatib NA, Toh EKL, Zahari HS, et al.
    Body Image, 2019 Sep;30:114-120.
    PMID: 31238276 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.06.001
    The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS; Alleva et al., 2017) is a 7-item measure of an individual's appreciation of their body for what it can do and is capable of doing. To date, its psychometric properties have not been examined beyond the parent study and outside English-speaking samples. To rectify this, we examined the psychometric properties of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the FAS. An online sample of 815 Malaysia citizens completed a Malay translation of the FAS, along with validated measures of body appreciation, weight discrepancy, drive for muscularity, perceived pressure from and internalisation of appearance ideals, self-esteem, and trait mindfulness. Exploratory factor analyses supported a 1-dimensional factor structure of FAS scores, which was upheld using confirmatory factor analysis. FAS scores were also invariant across sex and there was no significant sex difference in scores. Construct validity was generally supported through significant associations with the additional measures included in the study. Incremental validity was also established insofar as functionality appreciation predicted self-esteem over-and-above the variance accounted for by other body image measures. The availability of the Malay FAS will be of use to scholars in Malaysia, but establishing cross-linguistic invariance will be an important next step.
  19. Factor structure and psychometric properties of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2)
    Swami V, Mohd Khatib NA, Toh E, Zahari HS, Todd J, Barron D
    Body Image, 2019 Mar;28:66-75.
    PMID: 30594001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.12.006
    The 10-item Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a widely-used measure of a facet of positive body image. Here, we examined the psychometric properties of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the BAS-2 in a community sample of Malaysian Malay and Chinese adults (N = 781). Participants completed the Malay BAS-2 alongside demographic items and measures of subjective happiness, life satisfaction, actual-ideal weight discrepancy (women only), drive for muscularity (men only), and internalisation of appearance ideals. Exploratory factor analyses with a Malay subsample indicated that BAS-2 scores reduced to a single dimension with all 10 items in women and men, although the factor structure was similar but not identical across sex. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the one-dimensional factor structure had adequate fit following modifications. BAS-2 scores were partially scalar invariant across sex (with no significant sex differences) and ethnicity (Malay participants had significantly higher body appreciation than Chinese participants), as well as had adequate internal consistency. Evidence of construct and incremental validity was also provided through associations with additional measures and the prediction of subjective happiness over-and-above other variables, respectively. The availability of the Malay BAS-2 should help advance research on the body appreciation construct in Malay-speaking populations.
  20. Dimensional structure, psychometric properties, and sex invariance of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS) in Malaysian Malay adults
    Swami V, Todd J, Mohd Khatib NA, Toh EKL, Zahari HS, Barron D
    Body Image, 2019 Mar;28:81-92.
    PMID: 30599288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.12.007
    The 34-item Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS) is a widely-used measure of multidimensional body image. Here, we examined the psychometric properties of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the MBSRQ-AS. A sample of 629 Malaysian Malays (women n = 315) completed the MBSRQ-AS, as well as measures of body appreciation, psychological well-being, perceptions of appearance ideals, and internalisation of appearance ideals. Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the MBSRQ-AS items reduced to four dimensions, although one factor had less-than-adequate internal consistency. Omitting this factor resulted in a 23-item 3-factor solution, which we tested for fit using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) alongside the parent 5-factor model. CFA indicated that both models had good fit on some indices, but less-than-ideal fit on other indices, with the 3-factor model showing comparatively better fit. Multi-group CFA indicated that it was not possible to achieve scalar invariance across sex, but internal consistency coefficients were adequate. Evidence of construct validity, as assessed through correlations between MBSRQ-AS scores and additional measures, was mixed. We discuss reasons that complicate interpretation of the dimensionality of MBSRQ-AS scores in this and previous studies, and call for further research on this issue.
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