American Journal of Applied Psychology, 2015, Vol. 3, No.

3, 62-66
Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajap/3/3/3
© Science and Education Publishing
DOI:10.12691/ajap-3-3-3

The Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the

Persian Version of Body Appreciation Scale
Mohammad Atari1,*, Saeed Akbari-Zardkhaneh2, Leila Mohammadi1, Mehrnoosh Soufiabadi1
1
Department of psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Received May 23, 2015; Revised June 01, 2015; Accepted June 07, 2015
Abstract Previous research has shown that the factor structure of Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) may be
different across different cultures. The present study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of
Body Appreciation Scale in a sample of 206 Iranian women. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, parallel
analysis, and correlational analysis were conducted to evaluate the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the
instrument. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a three-factor solution; however, parallel analysis and scree plot
suggested a two-factor structure. The two-factor solution had a supporting body of literature in non-Western
populations and could be conceptually explained. The internal consistency of the scale was very high (alpha=0.94).
Concurrent validity of the scale was assessed by correlational analysis of the related constructs. BAS was
significantly correlated with the related variables. Suggestions for future research on the factor structure of the scale
are discussed.
Keywords: body appreciation, body image, validation, psychometrics, factor analysis
Cite This Article: Mohammad Atari, Saeed Akbari-Zardkhaneh, Leila Mohammadi, and Mehrnoosh
Soufiabadi, “The Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Body Appreciation
Scale.” American Journal of Applied Psychology, vol. 3, no. 3 (2015): 62-66. doi: 10.12691/ajap-3-3-3.

Though, within non-Western populations, factor-

1. Introduction analytic research suggests that the instrument does not
reduce to a general single dimension. Swami and
The line of research on positive body image has Chamorro-Premuzic [11] reported that, in a Malaysian
remained relatively limited thus far [1,2] as in past few female sample, BAS was better conceptualized as having
decades, body image studies have generally focused on two subscales. A main factor consisting of eight items was
pathological sides of this construct. The development and labeled ‘General body appreciation’; while a second factor
psychometric validation of Body Appreciation Scale with three items was labeled as an adaptive form of ‘Body
(BAS) attempted to overcome this issue in the body image image investment’ (two other items did not load onto
literature [3]. BAS generally measures positive opinions factors). Investigations of the Body Appreciation Scale’s
for the body, accepting ideation of the body despite its factor structure among Portuguese-speaking Brazilian [12],
imperfections, respectful position toward the body, and Chinese [13], and Korean [14] samples have also
protection of the body image by rejecting unrealistic ideals supported the solution with two factors. Although in some
from the media. This scale allows researchers to of aforementioned investigations, the two non-loading
practically move beyond conceptualizing positive body items adequately loaded onto the ‘general body
image as the absence of negative views on body [2,4]. appreciation’ subscale. This line of research indicates that,
Yet, the BAS is required to be examined in various among non-Western populations, the BAS may be
cultural contexts to ensure that its scores are considered as having two distinct factors, one of which
psychometrically sound with people from different taps the concept of body appreciation. Moreover, there
cultural backgrounds. Moreover, utilizing a psychometric remains a discussion relating to the two items and how
scale in each culture and across languages requires they load on each factor.
acceptable psychometric properties. Among Western The present study aimed to examine the factor structure
populations, the BAS has shown a general underlying and psychometric characteristics of the BAS among
factor, that is, general body appreciation [3,5,6]. Iranian women. The psychometric properties of BAS have
Furthermore, the scale has been illustrated to have not been previously reported in its Persian form. It was
satisfactory levels of reliability and validity in Western expected that the Persian version of BAS would have
cultures. Research also suggests that body appreciation adequate psychometric characteristics and a factor
scores are significantly associated with acceptance of structure more similar to non-Western societies as present
cosmetic surgery [7], caregiver eating messages [8], in the literature.
intuitive eating [9], and personality characteristics [10].
 American Journal of Applied Psychology 63

2. Method 2.2.4. Interest in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty Scale

This 8-item scale was developed by Naraghi and Atari
2.1. Participants [18] to measure interest in aesthetic rhinoplasty as the
most popular cosmetic surgery in Iran [19]. Research
A sample of 206 female students was recruited from suggests that interest in rhinoplasty is associated with
University of Tehran (UT) in capital of Iran. Tehran may psychopathological symptoms [20,21]. Response options
be considered as the cultural, economic, and political were provided in a 4-point scale ranging from “completely
center of Iran. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 50 disagree” to “completely agree”. Interest in Aesthetic
years (M=25.2 SD=3.7) and in BMI from 15.78 to 33.20 Rhinoplasty Scale (IARS) showed high internal
(M=21.7, SD=2.9). consistency in the current study (alpha=0.92).

2.2. Measures 2.2.5. Demographics

Participants provided their demographic details
2.2.1. Body Appreciation Scale
consisting of age, sex, national T.V viewership, weight,
Respondents filled out the Body Appreciation Scale [3]. and height. Participants’ weight and height were used to
All items were rated on a 5-point Likert-type scale ranging compute Body Mass Index (BMI).
from 1 (never) to 5 (always). One item on the scale is
gender specific; however, as the target sample consisted of 2.3. Procedure
women, the female version was used. Internal consistency
of the scale was reported high (alpha=0.94) in the United Participants were selected using accidental sampling
States [3]. For this study’s purposes, the BAS was first method from university’s public locations such as library,
translated into Persian (a.k.a. Farsi), the official language dining hall, dormitory, conference room, and classrooms
of Iran, and then it was back-translated by two by a research assistant. Verbal informed consent was
independent translators. The differences between the obtained for each participant and then a paper-and-pencil
translation and back-translation were settled by agreement survey was administered. All data were treated
between authors and an independent translator. anonymously and confidentially. Moreover, participation
in this study was on voluntary grounds and no kind of
2.2.2. Life Orientation Test remuneration was received by participants.
This 8-item test was developed by Scheier and Carver
[15] in order to measure individual differences in 2.4. Statistical Analysis
generalized optimism versus pessimism. Four items are In order for examining the factor structure of the
positively worded and 4 others are negatively worded. Persian version of BAS, principal-axis Exploratory Factor
Response options are provided in a 4-point Likert-type Analysis (EFA) using quartimax rotation was utilized as
format. Adequate psychometric properties of the Life only one factor was expected [22]. Factor retention in
Orientation Test (LOT) have been previously reported EFA was determined by factor eigenvalues above 1.0
[16]. Alpha coefficient was 0.61 in this study. (EGV1 procedure), the scree plot criterion [23], and
findings from Parallel Analysis (PA). Between-group
2.2.3. Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised differences were analyzed by one-way analysis of
An 11-item revised scale of physical appearance variance (ANOVA). Finally, bivariate correlation
comparison [17] was used in this study. A 5-point Likert- coefficients were computed between BAS scores and
type response option was provided ranging from “never” concurrent scales. Statistical analyses were carried out by
to “always”. This one-dimensional scale measures the SPSS (22nd version).
frequency that one compares his/her physical appearance
with others in different places. Cronbach’s alpha of the
Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS- 3. Results
R) was 0.97 in the present study.

Table 1. The Persian Body Appreciation Scale’s items’ descriptive characteristics

Item Corrected Alpha if
Item M S.D. S.S.E. K.S.E.
no. ITC item deleted
1 I respect my body 4.12 .790 .169 .337 .589 .892
2 I feel good about my body 3.92 .962 .169 .337 .761 .883
3 On the whole, I am satisfied with my body 4.00 .927 .169 .337 .783 .882
4 Despite its flaws, I accept my body for what it is 3.97 .962 .169 .337 .707 .886
5 I feel that my body has at least some good qualities 4.39 .794 .170 .338 .598 .891
6 I take a positive attitude toward my body 4.16 .888 .170 .338 .815 .881
7 I am attentive to my body’s needs 3.80 .980 .169 .337 .627 .890
8 My self-worth is independent of my body shape or weight 4.32 .928 .171 .340 .351 .902
9 I do not focus a lot of energy being concerned with my body shape or weight 3.52 1.107 .170 .339 .095 .917
10 My feelings toward my body are positive, for the most part 4.06 .873 .169 .337 .811 .882
11 I engage in healthy behaviors to take care of my body 3.72 1.056 .170 .338 .619 .890
I do not allow unrealistically thin images of women presented in the media to affect
12 3.97 .995 .169 .337 .536 .894
my attitudes toward my body
13 Despite its imperfections, I still like my body 4.29 .840 .169 .337 .717 .886
64 American Journal of Applied Psychology

3.1. Item Analysis 3.3. Parallel Analysis

In order to capture initial evidence for descriptive Exploratory factor analysis can cause factor over-
qualities of each item, a broad item analysis was retention [24]. Therefore, Parallel Analysis (PA) was
conducted. Mean (M), Standard Deviation (S.D.), performed to overcome this issue. In the current study,
Skewness Standard Error (S.S.E.), Kurtosis Standard 1000 random datasets were generated and a Confidence
Error (K.S.E.), corrected Item-Total Correlation (ITC), Interval (CI) of 95% was used. Results of the PA are
and alpha-if-item-deleted index were evaluated in this summarized in Table 3.
process. Results of the item analysis are presented in
Table 1. Table 3. Results of Parallel Analysis on Persian version of Body
Appreciation Scale
Component Eigen Value Criterion Value from
3.2. Exploratory factor analysis Number from EFA parallel analysis
Decision

Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling 1 6.54 1.431 Accept

adequacy was 0.91 and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was 2 1.33 1.328 Accept
significant (χ2 (78) =1627.34, P<0.001). Scree plot 3 1.22 1.243 Reject
suggested the extraction of two factors; however,
eigenvalues were 6.54, 1.33, and 1.22 respectively. Three 3.4. Reliability
factors accounted for 69.81 % of the total variance. The internal consistency of the scale was evaluated
Results of the exploratory factor analysis after rotation are using Cronbach’s alpha. The alpha coefficients of 13-item
presented in Table 2. The first two factors had crossed and 10-item (excluding items 8, 9, and 12) BAS were
loadings; however, the third factor (items 8, 9, and 12) 0.898 and 0.924 respectively. The temporal stability of the
was more independently separated. scale was evaluated in a 4-week period using a subsample
of 20 participants. Pearson correlation coefficient between
Table 2. Factor loadings for Persian version of Body Appreciation
Scale the two administrations was 0.815 (P<0.001) and paired t-
Factor test suggested no significant difference between the two
Item no.
1 2 3 times (t=0.636, df=19, P=0.532). Consequently, test-retest
3 .921 reliability of the scale was high.
6 .911
10 .882
2 .851 3.5. Correlational Analysis
4 .766
The Pearson correlation coefficient between 13-item
13 .718
5 .663 BAS, 10-item subscale, and 3-item subscale (items 8, 9,
7 .608 .586 and 12) and concurrent psychometric tools are presented
1 .539 .519 in Table 4. Furthermore, two subscales (a 3-item subscale
11 .536 .564 and a 10-item subscale) were moderately correlated
8 .516
(r=0.39); meaning that they are conceptually tapping
12 .439 .490
9 .364
different constructs.

Table 4. Correlation coefficients between the BAS and its two subscales with related variables
Scale BMI Optimism PACS-R IARS Age T.V.
13-item BAS -.306** .334** -.485** -.205** .082 -.065
10-item subscale -.330** .358** -.456** -.175* .073 -.063
3-item subscale -.058 .116 -.329** -.197** .085 -.049
** P<0.01
* P<0.05.
clear that two-factor solution may be conceptually more
meaningful because the second factor had crossed
4. Discussion loadings with low values on both the first and the second
factor; however, the third factor did not show cross-
The present study primarily aimed to investigate the loadings (see Table 2). This model is, again, showing that
psychometric properties and factor structure of the Persian BAS does not decrease to one underlying factor in non-
version of Body Appreciation Scale (BAS). Item analysis Western populations such as Iran. Therefore, the Persian
provided evidence that two items were potentially version of BAS may be considered as a scale with a two-
appropriate for discarding. Items 8 and 9 had the lowest factor solution.
item-total correlation coefficients among all other items. Considering the two-factor structure of the scale, two
They also had the highest standard error values for extracted subscales had 10 and 3 items respectively. The
kurtosis and skewness. Deletion of these items would have first subscale’s items were consistent with the concept of
increased the internal consistency of the scale as a one- body appreciation; however, three remaining items were
dimensional instrument. conceptually different. Items 8, 9, and 12 are conceptually
Exploratory factor analysis was performed to extract not tapping “body appreciation”. They may indicate a
underlying factors. EFA with EGV-1 procedure yielded a form of body investment [25]. Therefore, it is highly
three-factor solution; however, Scree plot and parallel recommended to discard these three items in body-image
analysis illustrated that two significant factors may be research settings among non-Western populations
underlying the scale. The pattern of loadings also made
 American Journal of Applied Psychology 65

including Iran. Yet, items 1, 7, and 11 may be considered valid measure of body appreciation in clinical and
for re-wording as well. research settings in Iran. Though, discarding items 8, 9,
In order to eavaluate the internal consistency of the and 12 along with rewording/replacing of items 1, 7, and
scale and item-scale characteristics of each item, 11 in order to conceptually tap “body appreciation” would
reliability assessment was performed. BAS was internally potentially improve the factor structure of the BAS in
consistent in both 10- and 13-item forms. The scale was future research.
also temporally stable. The results from Table 1 suggest
that exclusion of items 8 and 9 would increase the internal
consistency of the scale. The three lowest item-total Note
correlation coefficients belonged to items 9, 8, and 12
respectively. These findings are also consistent with the Persian form of the scale is available upon request from
notion that these items are operationally not tapping the the corresponding author.
concept of body appreciation and should be discarded for
use in future research.
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