Validation of the body image dimensional assessment in adolescents from Spanish high school

Introduction There are not many valid instruments to quickly and easily identify body dissatisfaction in adolescents. Most studies have used the Stunkard Rating Scale to assess body image. Nevertheless, this scale has been described as too abrupt and crude for adolescents. Aim Was to validate the body image dimensional assessment (BIDA) questionnaire in a sample of adolescents from Sec‑ ondary schools of Spain. Method The BIDA consists of four items to answer with reference to a series of four silhouettes using a numeric scale that allows the quantifcation of the degree of body dissatisfaction (BD), sexual body dissatisfaction (SxBD), comparative body dissatisfaction (CBD) and the calculation of the fnal body dissatisfaction index (BDIndex). The sample included 2059 ado‑ lescents, 1132 males and 929 females aged 13.10±0.89. Participants answered the BIDA and then their anthropometrics measurements were taken. Results Reliability test, a convergent test and confrmatory factorial analysis were conducted to validate BIDA instrument. A single factor structure emerged from confrmatory factorial analysis; the BIDA demonstrated adequate internal consistency in adolescents: (CFI>0.90, TLI>0.90, α>0.80). Signifcant correlations (p<0.001) emerged between the BIDA indices and all the anthropometric measures. Conclusions The BIDA questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate body dissatisfaction in Spanish adolescents. Level of evidence Level V, descriptive study.