Measuring Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA): Psychometric Validation and Analysis of the IBSA Scale

Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan ¹, Heather A Turner ², David Finkelhor ²

⁰School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.

Child Maltreatment +

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May 6, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A new Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) scale effectively measures childhood experiences, showing higher scores in females and minority groups. This validated tool addresses a critical gap in understanding IBSA

Area Of Science

Psychology
Criminology
Sociology

Background

Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) is a significant global concern with severe psychological consequences.
Existing assessment tools inadequately capture the cumulative impact of childhood IBSA experiences.

Purpose Of The Study

To introduce and psychometrically evaluate a newly developed IBSA Scale.
To assess the scale's reliability, validity, and ability to capture the multifaceted nature of IBSA.

Main Methods

A large-scale study of 6226 U.S. participants (ages 18-28) with oversampling for IBSA experiences and minority groups.
Psychometric evaluation using Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).
Validity assessed through correlations with peer norms, online risky behaviors, and social connectedness.

Main Results

EGA and CFA confirmed a stable, cohesive structure for the IBSA scale.
The scale demonstrated good convergent validity with peer norms and online risky behaviors.
Discriminant validity was supported by a weak correlation with social connectedness.
Higher IBSA scores were reported by females, sexual and gender minority individuals, and lower-income participants.

Conclusions

The developed IBSA scale is a psychometrically sound and promising instrument for measuring the cumulative burden of IBSA.
The scale can aid in understanding the prevalence and impact of IBSA across diverse demographics.
Further research can utilize this tool to investigate IBSA's psychological effects and inform interventions.

Keywords:

image-based sexual abuse online sexual abuse scale development