Further Investigation of the Validity and Reliability of the Photographic Figure Rating Scale for Body Image Assessment

Abstract

Previous studies have not fully investigated the psychometric properties of the Photographic Figure Rating Scale (PFRS). In 2 studies, we report on the test–retest reliability and convergent validity of ratings derived from the PFRS. In Study 1, 322 female university students in Britain provided self-ratings on the PFRS and objectively measured body mass index (BMI); a subsample of 132 women also completed the task after 5 weeks. In Study 2, 243 women from the community in Austria completed the PFRS along with a battery of other body image scales. Results of Study 1 showed that ratings on the PFRS had good test–retest reliability (all rs > .87) and good convergent validity in relation to BMI. Results of Study 2 showed that PFRS-derived body dissatisfaction scores were significantly correlated with a range of body image variables. These results provide evidence for the convergent validity and good test–retest reliability of the PFRS.

Notes

In Study 1, the majority of participants (95.4%) indicated an ideal body size that was smaller than their current body size. The same was true of Study 2, where 98.4% of participants indicated that their ideal body size was smaller than their current body size. Excluding participants who reported that their ideal body size was larger than their current body size did not significantly alter the results of Study 1 and Study 2.