Validation of a Korean Version of the Body-Appreciation Scale (K-BAS) in Young Women

Abstract

Despite concerns regarding body image in young Korean women, no measurement tool has yet been developed or is available. This study examined the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Body-Appreciation Scale (K-BAS) to assess body image positivity among young women. For this purpose, convenience sampling was conducted using social network services. The participants were 245 women (N = 245) aged 20 to 40 years. Validity and reliability were examined using item analysis, factor analysis, and correlation with body mass index, body dissatisfaction, and Cronbach’s alpha. Twelve items were selected for the study. Two factors were extracted through factor analysis, explaining 64.82% of the variance and showing a good model fit in the K-BAS. The K-BAS score was negatively correlated with body mass index (r = −0.33, p < 0.001) and body dissatisfaction (r = −0.41, p < 0.001). Reliability was high, as indicated by a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.91. These results indicate that the K-BAS may serve as an appropriate instrument for measuring body image positivity among young Korean women. It may also be useful for identifying women with abnormal body perceptions.