Developing a Scale to Investigate the Dissatisfaction with the Face and Body

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a psychometric scale to measure dissatisfaction with one’s face. In Study 1, 1,002 people aged 17–42 years using a 7-point Likert scale for a draft scale. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the scale consisted of 27 items and a 3-factor structure (Avoidance, Fear, and Obsessive thinking), named Face Dissatisfaction Scale (FDS). Study 2 examined sex differences in dissatisfaction with the face and body. The results showed that females were more dissatisfied with faces than males; however, there was no sex difference in body dissatisfaction. Males were more dissatisfied with bodies than faces; however, there was no difference in females. We found that face dissatisfaction was positively associated with dysmorphic concerns and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Moreover, the FDS showed high goodness-of-fit, reliability, and validity. The study suggests that FDS is a useful psychometric tool to seek unsatisfied people with their faces.