Related Experiment Videos
Development and validation of the Physical Appearance Related Teasing Scale
J K Thompson1, L J Fabian, D O Moulton
1Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa 33620-8200.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|June 1, 1991
Summary
The new Physical Appearance Related Testing Scale (PARTS) shows promise for measuring body image issues. Its Weight/Size Testing (W/ST) factor relates to eating concerns, unlike the General Appearance Teasing (GAT) factor.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Body image dissatisfaction and eating disturbances are significant mental health concerns.
- Existing measures may not fully capture the nuances of appearance-related stressors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the development and preliminary validation of the Physical Appearance Related Testing Scale (PARTS).
- To assess the psychometric properties and factor structure of the PARTS.
Main Methods:
- Development of an 18-item scale assessing physical appearance-related testing.
- Exploratory factor analysis to identify scale components.
- Convergent and discriminant validity analyses using established psychological measures.
Main Results:
- The PARTS demonstrated good psychometric qualities, including high internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
- Two factors emerged: Weight/Size Testing (W/ST) and General Appearance Teasing (GAT).
- W/ST scores converged with measures of eating disturbance, body image dissatisfaction, social comparison, depression, and self-esteem, while GAT showed minimal correlation with these variables.
Conclusions:
- The PARTS, particularly the W/ST factor, shows potential as a valid measure for aspects of body image and eating disturbance.
- Further validation is needed for the PARTS, especially concerning the GAT factor.
- Teasing history may play a role in the etiology of body image and eating disturbances, warranting further investigation.