Development and validation of body rating scales for adolescent females

Abstract

Objective: This present study was designed to develop and validate rating scales for body image assessment in adolescents. Method: The figures of the Figure Rating Scale (FRS; Stunkard, Sorenson, & Schlusinger, The genetics of neurological and psychiatric disorders, 1983, pp. 115–129) used in previous research seem more appropriate for research with adults. Accordingly, we developed two forms of a body rating scale (BRS) depicting adolescent females and administered these scales and the FRS to 315 female subjects. The subjects comprise three age groups, 11‐year‐olds, 17‐year‐olds, and their mothers, all participants in the epidemiologically based Minnesota Twin Family Study. Two independent observers also rated each subject. Results: Intercorrelations among raters and scales and with body mass index were generally high and indicate comparability between the BRS measures and the FRS. Discussion: The generally excellent psychometric properties of the new scales coupled with their face validity may make them a useful tool for body image research in children and adolescents. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.