Hungarian experiences with the Beliefs About Attractiveness Scale

Abstract

Sociocultural influences regarding bodily appearance and their psychological consequences play a considerable role in the development and maintenance of body image disturbance and eating disorders. The purpose of the study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Beliefs About Attractiveness Scale-Revised and its correlates among young adults in Hungary. In our cross-sectional online study, participants were 18-35 years old (N = 820, 40% male). self-reported anthropometric data, Beliefs About Attractiveness Scale-Revised, Eating Disorder Inventory, SCOFF questionnaire, Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3, and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. The exploratory factor analysis showed that the fit indices of the three-factor solution are acceptable (χ²(₁₇₁)) = 5124.8, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.944, TLI = 0.918, RMSEA = 0.054, SRMR = 0.030). Along the original 'Importance of being thin' and the 'Importance of being fit' factors, a third factor emerged, namely the 'Life fulfilment aspect of attractiveness' factor. Internal consistency and construct validity of the scales were confirmed. Among those who were at risk of developing an eating disorder, all of the measured beliefs were significantly greater than among those who were not at risk (thin: Z = 6.501, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.63, fit: t(₈₁₈) = -4.749, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.41, and life fulfilment: t(₂₃₉) = -5.702, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.53). The Hungarian version of the Beliefs About Attractiveness Scale-Revised is a reliable, valid measure and we suggest its introduction into Hungarian research. Relationships between beliefs about attractiveness and self- esteem, body image and eating disorders suggest intervention opportunities in with regards to prevention and treatment of eating disorders.