Evidence of Validity, Invariance, and Reliability of the Body Image Dimension in the Body Investment Scale: A Study in Spanish University Students

Background: This study focused on the widely used Body Image subscale, a dimension of the Body Investment Scale developed by Orbach and Mikulincer in 1998. Specifically, we explored its psychometric properties and potential use for health promotion research among young Spanish university students. M...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Díaz Milanés, Diego, Santín Vilariño, María Carmen, Andrés Villas, Montserrat, Segura Barriga, Ana, Pérez Moreno, Pedro Juan
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Huelva (UHU)
Repositorio:Arias Montano. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Huelva
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ariasmontano.uhu.es:10272/23395
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10272/23395
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Body image
Body investment
Validity
Reliability
Factorial invariance
Spanish
University students
61 Psicología
Descripción
Sumario:Background: This study focused on the widely used Body Image subscale, a dimension of the Body Investment Scale developed by Orbach and Mikulincer in 1998. Specifically, we explored its psychometric properties and potential use for health promotion research among young Spanish university students. Method: A sample of 793 participants (75.28% female) aged 18–26 years (M = 20.68; SD = 2.13) completed the questionnaire and related variables. Results: A unidimensional structure was confirmed with a good fit, demonstrating gender- and age-invariance, along with robust internal consistency. The scale exhibited a significant association with self-esteem, life satisfaction, a sense of coherence, and psychological distress. Conclusions: The Body Image subscale can be considered unidimensional. The obtained factor solution provides a reliable, valid, and invariant measure across gender and age for assessing body feelings in Spanish university students. Therefore, the instrument can effectively investigate the relationship between body image and health-related behaviors. Additionally, it can serve as a valuable tool in designing effective health interventions for university students to prevent mental health conditions, such as eating disorders or suicidal behaviors