The Physical Self Comparison Scale (PSCS): A multidimensional measure of social comparison tendencies in adults

Although social comparisons are central to self-evaluation, existing measures have focused narrowly on appearance-based comparisons, overlooking the broader and multidimensional nature of the physical self, which encompasses both physical appearance (e.g., body shape, muscularity) and ability (e.g., strength, endurance, flexibility) dimensions. The present research addressed this gap through the development and psychometric evaluation of the Physical Self Comparison Scale (PSCS), a theoretically grounded instrument assessing social comparison tendencies across these dimensions. In Study 1, an extensive item pool was established through evaluations by expert judges (n = 13). In Study 2, factorial validity was examined in an online adult sample (n = 597) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Hierarchical- and bifactor-ESEM models demonstrated superior fit and reduced factor correlations relative to CFA, supporting the multidimensional yet integrated nature of the construct. In Study 3, construct validity and one-month temporal stability were supported in an undergraduate sample (n = 210). PSCS subscales demonstrated theoretically consistent associations with social comparison tendencies, body image, physical self-perceptions, psychological distress, and exercise-related constructs. Incremental validity analyses indicated that the PSCS explained unique variance in global self-esteem beyond established appearance-based and general comparison measures, although it did not account for additional variance in eating disorder symptomatology or psychological distress. Across studies, the PSCS demonstrated strong psychometric properties, providing initial evidence for its utility as a comprehensive measure of physical self-related social comparison tendencies.