Body checking and body image avoidance: Construct validity and norms for college women

Abstract

The current study explored the prevalence of body checking and body image avoidance behaviors in a large sample of undergraduate women (N=1011). The factor structures of two relevant measures, the Body Checking Questionnaire and the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire, were compared with factor structures proposed by the development studies. Subscales are described, and the influence of race on responses examined. Results suggest these scales are valid in White and African American samples with a modified factor structure. Findings can inform clinical and research use of these measures, although additional experimental research is needed.