Dissatisfaction and Body Checking in Sports Scale: A New Measure for Athletes

Abstract

Abstract: After performing searches in the main scientific articles database, no specific psychometric scale was found that analyzes body dissatisfaction and body checking to athletes. The aim of the study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Dissatisfaction and Body Checking in Sports Scale (DBCS) - male and female versions - in Brazilian athletes. The researchers built the DBCS. Participants were 1,197 athletes. The exploratory factor analysis showed a factor structure that explained more than 40% of the variance in both versions of the DBCS. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between the DBCS - male and female versions - and questionnaires used for concurrent validity (p < .001). No difference was found in mean DBCS scores when applied two weeks apart (p > .05). The findings indicated difference in DBCS scores according to body fat (p = .01). The results showed a positive relationship between DBCS and Eating Attitudes Test scores (p = .001). It was concluded that the DBCS - male and female versions - demonstrated satisfactory concurrent, discriminant, predictive validity and reproducibility.