The Polish version of the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire: an exploratory structural equation modeling approach

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Body image avoidance is a significant concern in eating disorders.
• Existing questionnaires may not adequately capture these behaviors in diverse populations.
• Validation of culturally adapted instruments is crucial for accurate assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a Polish version of the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ).
• To assess the psychometric properties of the Polish BIAQ in a mixed sample including individuals with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
• To establish the reliability and validity of the BIAQ for use with Polish women.

Main Methods:

• Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) were employed.
• Multi-group ESEM was used for cross-validation with clinical samples (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa).
• Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and Omega coefficients; convergent validity was assessed using established eating disorder inventories.

Main Results:

• Initial CFA did not fit the data well, but a three-factor solution using ESEM showed good fit.
• The Polish BIAQ demonstrated good internal consistency for all three factors (food and weight preoccupation, social activities, clothing).
• The questionnaire showed adequate psychometric properties, supporting its use in evaluating body image avoidance behaviors.

Conclusions:

• The Polish version of the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ) is a psychometrically sound instrument.
• The validated BIAQ can be effectively used to evaluate body image avoidance behaviors in Polish women.
• This tool aids in the assessment and understanding of body image issues within clinical and research contexts.