The Impact of Silhouette Randomization on the Results of Figure Rating Scales

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the impact of silhouette randomization on the responses to rating scales developed to rate the perceived current and ideal body shape, as well as body dissatisfaction. Seventy students (30 men and 40 women), ages 18 to 43 (M ± SD = 22.1 ± 5.7) years, completed the Stunkard, Sorensen, and Schulsinger (1983) Figure Rating Scale twice, approximately 2 weeks apart in a randomized, counterbalanced order. On one occasion, the traditional scale was completed, and another scale with a randomized set of silhouettes was completed. Results indicated a significant relationship between the traditionally and randomly presented scales for perceived current and ideal body shapes and for body dissatisfaction (all p < .01). Wilcoxon signed-ranks test revealed no significant mean rank difference between the two scales for perceived current and ideal body shapes and body dissatisfaction (all p > .05). Randomization of figures does not appear to have an impact on results from the Figure Rating Scale, and the sequentially presented scale appears to be appropriate for body image assessment.