Psychometric properties of a French translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale in French adults (FAS)

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) assesses an individual's appreciation of their bodies' capabilities. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the French FAS across three separate samples. Three online samples were recruited: (1) 383 young women (study 1), (2) 285 young women (study 2), and (3) 210 adult men and 265 women (study 3). Samples (1) and (2) completed a French translation of the FAS twice in a three-week interval. Sample 2 completed only the FAS twice, whereas Sample 1 additionally completed other validated measures at baseline including validated measures of body appreciation, body satisfaction, body esteem, weight and shape concern, and physical appearance comparison at baseline. In study 1, exploratory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure, and good test-retest reliability and convergent and divergent validity were found. In study 2, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) replicated this structure. In study 3, the structure was confirmed again through CFA in both women and men. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity of its scores were sustained in both genders and gender invariance was supported. These results provide strong support for the French version of the FAS as a reliable and valid tool for use in French populations.