Factor structure, validity, and internal consistency of the Body Appreciation Scale for physically active Brazilian men with spinal cord injuries

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the Body Appreciation Scale and its psychometric properties: specifically, the validity of its construct and its internal consistency, for persons with spinal cord injuries in Brazil. Method: A non-probabilistic sample of 70 adult men between 18 and 59 years of age who participated in this study. Partial least squares with path modeling, average variance extracted, squared correlation of the factors, bivariate correlation, variance analysis, Cronbach’s alpha test, and a Composite reliability test were conducted to evaluate factor structure, convergent, discriminant, concurrent, and divergent validity and internal consistency, respectively. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 2-factor solution model, predicted by theory. Convergent and discriminant evidence of validity was provided. Internal consistency values were satisfactory. Weak evidence of concurrent and divergent validity were generated. Conclusion: The Body Appreciation Scale appears to be a valid and reliable scale for researchers, especially in samples of physically active men with spinal cord injury. This new scale could be used to evaluate the impact of physical therapy on body image, as well the impact of sports practice. In this way, it could provide relevant information with which physicians, physical therapists, and physical educators can guide their interventions.