Validation of a Six-Item Male Body Image Concerns Scale (MBICS)

Abstract

Elevated body image concerns may be a risk factor for eating disorders among males and contribute to a range of other mental health problems. This study tested a 6-item measure of general male body image concerns in two studies with adolescent males ages 14–18 (total N = 122). The measure showed strong convergent validity, scale score reliability, and test-retest reliability, and was significantly correlated with the number of episodes of binge eating in the past month. A short scale will relieve participant burden and provide a useful research tool for studies with males at risk for or with eating disorders.

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Notes on contributors

Hannah L. Weisman

Hannah L. Weisman is now at the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California, Santa Barbara. Marcus Montanez-Leaks is now at the School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago. Varvara Mazina is now at the School of Medicine, University of Washington. Jakki O. Bailey is now at the Department of Communication, Stanford University.

Marcus Montanez-Leaks

Hannah L. Weisman is now at the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California, Santa Barbara. Marcus Montanez-Leaks is now at the School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago. Varvara Mazina is now at the School of Medicine, University of Washington. Jakki O. Bailey is now at the Department of Communication, Stanford University.

Varvara Mazina

Hannah L. Weisman is now at the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California, Santa Barbara. Marcus Montanez-Leaks is now at the School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago. Varvara Mazina is now at the School of Medicine, University of Washington. Jakki O. Bailey is now at the Department of Communication, Stanford University.

Jakki O. Bailey

Hannah L. Weisman is now at the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California, Santa Barbara. Marcus Montanez-Leaks is now at the School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago. Varvara Mazina is now at the School of Medicine, University of Washington. Jakki O. Bailey is now at the Department of Communication, Stanford University.