Examining the psychometric properties of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 in Brazilian adolescents

Abstract

            This study examined the psychometric properties of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) in Brazilian adolescents. The sample was comprised of 438 boys (Mage = 15.50, SDage = 1.20) and 402 girls (M = 15.51, SDage = 1.18). Confirmatory factor analyses supported a one-dimensional and partially invariant across-gender and weight status factor structure. The instrument showed adequate internal consistency and temporal stability over a two-week period. Body appreciation was negatively correlated with social physique anxiety and body mass index in both boys and girls. After controlling for social physique anxiety, body appreciation was positively and significantly correlated with life satisfaction in both genders. Significantly higher levels of body appreciation scores were found in men compared to women (d = .48) as well as in underweight and normoweight adolescents compared to the overweight and obese adolescents (d = .50). These findings suggest that the BAS-2 is a valid and reliable instrument to assess body appreciation in Brazilian adolescents. The BAS-2 could be useful for attaining a deeper insight into positive body image research as well as for improving clinical practice in the Brazilian context.