Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
The Body Esteem Scale for Adults and Adolescents: Translation, adaptation and psychometric validation among Brazilian
Harriet G Smith1, Kirsty M Garbett1, Emily L Matheson1
1Centre for Appearance Research, Department of Social Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
Abstract:
A lack of rigorously validated body image measures for use among adolescents is hampering research in Brazil. This study aimed to validate a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Body Esteem Scale for Adults and Adolescents (BESAA; Mendelson et al., 2001). The BESAA was forward and back translated from English into Brazilian Portuguese before examining its factor structure, reliability, and validity among 475 adolescents (50.3% girls) aged 13 - 18 years (Mage = 15.35) from various regions across Brazil. Exploratory factor analysis identified an 18-item three-factor solution, with Appearance-Positive, Appearance-Negative, and Weight subscales. The removal of five problematic items led to a psychometrically robust model, invariant across gender and age, and was verified using confirmatory factor analysis. Test re-test reliability and internal consistency were good-to-excellent across all three factors (Cronbach's a =0.85,.88, and.89). Concurrent validity was established through significant correlations with body dissatisfaction. Convergent validity was demonstrated via significant correlations with positive and negative affect. This Brazilian Portuguese version of the BESAA is a valid, reliable, and psychometrically robust measure of body image suitable for administration among adolescents in Brazil.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Self-Report Tests of Personality
Trait and State Self-Esteem
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence

