Factor structure of the body appreciation scale among Indonesian women and men: further evidence of a two-factor solution in a non-Western population

Body Image. 2012 Sep;9(4):539-42. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2012.06.002. Epub 2012 Jul 12.

Abstract

While the body appreciation scale (BAS) reduces to a single dimension among Western samples, a two-factor solution has been found among non-Western populations. The present study examined the factor structure of the BAS among Indonesian women and men, a previously neglected population. A total of 262 women and 278 men in Jakarta, Indonesia, completed an Indonesian version of the BAS. Factor analyses revealed the existence of two factors that were only moderately correlated: a dominant 10-item factor representing general body appreciation and a second 3-item factor representing adaptive body image investment. However, only general body appreciation met criteria for acceptable internal consistency; thus, additional analyses were conducted with this factor alone. There were no significant ethnic differences in general body appreciation, but men had significantly higher body appreciation than women. Suggestions for future research, particularly in terms of uncovering culture-specific factors that contribute to positive body image, are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asian People / psychology*
  • Body Image*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Indonesia
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Values*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Young Adult