The Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire in the German General Population: Psychometric Properties and Normative Data

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychometrics
• General Medicine

Background:

• The Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) is a common tool for assessing body image concerns.
• It is frequently utilized in plastic and aesthetic surgery settings.
• Previous validation focused on clinical populations, not the general public.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the DCQ.
• To establish normative data for the DCQ in a general population sample.
• To assess the reliability and validity of the DCQ for screening excessive dysmorphic concerns.

Main Methods:

• A representative sample of 2053 German adults (18-65 years, 54% female) completed the DCQ.
• Participants also completed questionnaires on depression and general appearance concerns.
• Psychometric properties, including internal consistency and factor structure, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The DCQ demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.81).
• A one-factor model structure was confirmed.
• Normative data revealed higher concerns in women than men, with age-related differences within females. 4.0% reported excessive concerns (score ≥ 11).

Conclusions:

• The DCQ is a valid and reliable screening instrument for excessive dysmorphic concerns.
• Findings support its use in the general population.
• Excessive concerns identified by the DCQ may warrant further clinical evaluation for body dysmorphic disorder.