Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS) Body Image Silhouettes with Preadolescent Girls

Abstract

We assessed the psychometric properties of the Body Image Silhouettes (BIS) from the Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS) with preadolescent girls. Two hundred and ninety-one fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade girls completed the BIS, the Eating Behaviors and Body Image Test (EBBIT) for Preadolescent Girls, and height and weight measurements were obtained. Test-retest reliabilities were adequate to good. Initial validity of the silhouettes was evaluated by correlating BIS ratings and scores on the EBBIT, Body Mass Index, and age. Race and age differences on the silhouette ratings were, also examined. Contrary to the results of a previous investigation, the KEDS BIS appears to be an appropriate instrument for evaluating body images in preadolescent Caucasian girls, but more research is warranted with African American girls.