Short forms of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2SF): Item selection and psychometric evaluation

The 10-item Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2; Tylka , Wood-Barcalow, 2015) is a widely used con-temporary measure of positive body image that assesses one's love for, acceptance , appreciation of , respect for their body. Given the need for abbreviated measures to reduce participant burden and study cost, we aimed to generate a short form of the BAS-2 (BAS-2SF). Two versions of the BAS-2SF emerged: a 3 -item version derived deductively from theory (items selected based on their unique contribution to the body appreciation construct), and a 2-item version generated empirically (items selected based on a genetic algorithm approach). Psychometric evidence was garnered across five studies, totaling 3114 participants. Both BAS-2SF versions correlated highly (rs = .93-.97) with the original 10-item BAS-2 and demonstrated internally consistent and stable scores. Factor analyses revealed high item-factor loadings, uni-dimensionality, and gender invariance of the 3-item BAS-2SF. Correlations with construct validity measures, as well as model pathways, were similar between both BAS-2SF versions and the 10-item BAS-2. BAS-2SF versions also evidenced incremental validity. Both BAS-2SF versions retain the psychometric integrity of the BAS-2 and are recommended for use; however, the 3-item BAS-2SF is an ideal option for researchers who wish to estimate a body appreciation latent factor. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study aimed to generate a short form of the BAS-2 (BAS-2SF) and found high correlations, internal consistency, and stable scores between both versions of BAS-2SF and the original 10-item BAS-2. Factor analyses demonstrated high item-factor loadings, unidimensionality, and gender invariance of the 3-item BAS-2SF. BAS-2SF versions also showed incremental validity.